OUR MISSION

The James Ene Henshaw Foundation is a not-for-profit organization set up to maintain and promote the literary legacy of James Ene Henshaw, a pioneer and one of the foremost playwrights to have emerged from the African continent. The idea for the Foundation stemmed from the playwright’s own concern and desire for the literary works that reflect the experiences of African audiences, as well as encourage the appreciation and participation of young people in the dramatic arts. “…

In Nigeria, for instance, one occasionally sees well-known plays staged by good players, but the scenes of these plays always take place in surroundings far removed from the African’s own. Often, the things which are spoken about in the plays have no relationship with the problems which face the African audience.

Whilst it says much for these great works that they will always be staged in the world, there is nevertheless a need for plays to be written and produced in the African’s own surroundings and with characters familiar to the ordinary African. It is to meet this need that I present these three plays to readers and actors, especially in West Africa.” JEH, This Is Our Chance, 1956. To continue with this vision, the Foundation will seek to:

 Ensure that Henshaw’s plays, as well as the work of other notable African playwrights, continue to be accessible to a younger generation of audiences, as well as inspire people who do not normally engage with the Arts to become active participants.

 Encourage inter-cultural dialogue and literary debate.

 Promote emerging African writers.

 Initiate, and support projects where young people can engage in creative activities.

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION

The Foundation was launched on December 13th, 2013 in Calabar by His Excellency, Barr Effiom Cobham, the Deputy Governor of Cross River State on behalf of the Executive Governor, Hon. Senator Liyel Imoke. The highlight of the occasion was the unveiling of the book, The Collected Plays of James Ene Henshaw.

The launch of the book helped raise substantial funds that will go towards the Foundation’s activities. The launch was followed by a major production of Henshaw’s seminal play This Is Our Chance at the Cultural Centre, Calabar with simultaneous broadcasts on Cross River State Television and Ebony Life TV.

This, perhaps, was the most elaborate production ever of this play, with a cast of over sixty-five, including dancers and drummers. Audiences were treated to a spectacle of colour, impressive costumery and sound, and of course the irrepressible Bambulu, one of the most recognisable characters in African Drama