Choreographing Change: Analyzing Female Empowerment in Irene Isoken Salami’s More Than Dancing

Abstract

More Than Dancing by Irene Salami-Agunloye is an excellent study of female empowerment and how society changes in today’s African theater. The study focuses on how the play tests and challenges patriarchal structures by using both real and symbolic movements. Salami-Agunloye provides engaging female characters which allows his story to oppose outdated gender norms and promote new roles for men and women. Using cultural roots together with modern feminist ideas, the play celebrates the strong and united nature of women. This paper looks at empowerment, resistance and changes in society, looking at how art can oppose oppression and suggest new ways for people to behave.