Efua T Sutherland is a fabled name in her native Ghana, and in Africa after her extraordinary contributions to the Theatre, and general Literature, in the last century.
Sutherland was well educated in her youth, and returned home from overseas to become something of a phenomenal literary pioneer in Ghana. She wrote plays, developed actors and actresses, and also wrote excellent books for children; often collaborating with other bards. No wonder her legacy remains astonishing even now, with many spots named after her.
She was respected universally even by top-notch writers worldwide, many of whom have paid tribute to her in excellent studies and books. Literary giant Es'kia Mphahlele of South Africa for one, had great praise and appreciation for her, commending her selfless nature and passion for the arts.
Interviews with the great Efua Sutherland exist, collected in books like the classic, African Writers Talking (Edited by Duerden) where one can see the type of magnificent mien and aura the late Sutherland possessed. She freely talks about the importance of literature, for the mainstream, and not only for the restricted selected academia.
It was a very sad day in the literary fraternity when this altruistic, highly talented lady died in 1996. But of course her sterling legacy lives on.
Bibliography
FORIWA
EDUFA
Playtime in Africa
The Roadmakers
The Marriage of Anansewa
Voice in the Forest
Vulture! Vulture!
Tahinta
Odasani
ANANSEGORO: Story-telling Drama in Ghana