The play revolves around Mr. James Ofori, a strict, retired clerk who desperately wants his children to follow "respectable" white-collar professions. He envisions his son becoming a lawyer or a doctor, and his daughters becoming secretaries or teachers.
Before diving into the plot, it is essential to understand the mind behind the words. Joe Coleman de Graft was a distinguished Ghanaian poet, novelist, and playwright. He served as the first director of the Ghana Drama Studio and was a key figure in post-independence African theatre. download sons and daughters by joe de graft pdf
De Graft’s works often dissect the psychological turmoil of Africans caught between indigenous customs and Western education. His most famous play, Sons and Daughters, premiered in the 1960s and has remained relevant for over half a century due to its timeless themes of parental expectations, youthful rebellion, and economic pressure. The play revolves around Mr
| Detail | Information |
|--------|-------------|
| Full Name | Joseph de Graft (commonly known as Joe de Graft) |
| Birth/Death | 23 May 1924 – 22 May 1979 |
| Nationality | Ghanaian (born in Cape Coast, Gold Coast) |
| Profession | Playwright, poet, journalist, broadcaster, and teacher |
| Key Contributions | • Founder of the Ghana Drama Studio (1952)
• First Ghanaian playwright to have a play staged at the Royal Court Theatre, London (1958)
• Influential works include Menyew, The Dilemma of a Ghost, Sons and Daughters, and The Marriage of Anansewa |
| Literary Style | Fusion of Akan oral tradition (proverbs, folktales, call‑and‑response) with modern realistic drama; strong social critique and exploration of post‑colonial identity. | Before diving into the plot, it is essential
Legacy – De Graft is often called “the father of Ghanaian drama.” His plays remain in university curricula across West Africa and are performed by community theatre groups aiming to preserve African dramatic heritage.