The Significance of the Title “And Palm-wine Will Flow”

The title of the play is highly significant. In African societies, Palm wine is traditionally associated with: celebration, communal gatherings, hospitality, ceremonies, relaxation and traditional social life. In the play, however, the expression “palm-wine will flow” acquires an ironic dimension. The Fon’s celebrations and drinking culture occur alongside serious problems in Ewawa, including corruption, abuse of power, injustice and social disorder. The title therefore invites students to examine the contrast between celebration and suffering and between traditional communal values and their corruption by irresponsible leadership. The title is consequently symbolically and ironically significant.