Story Of Zulu Sofola, The First Nigerian Woman To Publish A Play (Photos)

Born in the former Bendel State to Igbo parents from Issele-Uku, Aniocha North Local Government Area of Delta State, Zulu was educated at the Federal Government Primary School, Asaba, and then at the Baptist Girls High School, Agbor, Delta State. Owing to her compellingly brilliant performance in school, the young Zulu won a Fulbright Scholarship to complete her high school education in Nashville, Tennessee, United States. In the United States, she attended Southern Baptist Seminary, Los Angeles, California, before proceeding to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Language from the Virginia Union University, Richmond, Virginia, sixty three years ago.

Furthermore, in 1965, she earned a master’s degree in Drama from the Catholic University of America in Washington DC. Four years after the Nigeria’s independence from Great Britain, Zulu moved back to Nigeria and then served as a lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts at the University of Ibadan, Oyo State, where she earned a doctor of philosophy degree in Theatre Arts in 1977.

Fifty years ago, Zulu, whose plays’ plots always range from historical tragedy to domestic comedy, garnered international attention after the publication of her play, Wedlock of the Gods. However, her other popular books include The Sweet Trap, Old Wines Are Tasty, King Emene, and The Wizard of Law.

She is the first published female Nigerian playwright and dramatist. She is also the first female Professor of Theater Arts in Africa.