The Issue of Women beyond the Kitchen in Julie Okoh’s the Trials

Irrespective of the culture in which it is practiced, theatre is an expressive, innovative, engaging, educational, and distinctive art form that offers a wealth of indisputable advantages or rewards. Through the playwrights' imaginative works, which are inspired by social developments, theatre, which is a dynamic art form, also functions as a change mechanism in moulding peoples' lives.Some male and female playwrights in Nigeria, such as Barclays Ayakoroma, Ahmed Yerima, Ola Rotimi, J.P Clark, Zulu Sofola, Tess Onwueme, Irene Salami, Stella Oyedepo, Julie Okoh, Tracie Utoh, Osita Ezenwanebe, among others, through their plays have examined the plight of women in the society and the need for them to be empowered. The study examined the issue of women beyond the kitchen in Julie Okoh’s The Trials. In employing the qualitative method of research with emphasis on the literary/analytical and historical method of research, the study observed that Julie Okoh is a female playwright who has contributed to gender studies through her plays. The study found that the patriarchal structure of society, which places women in a subordinate position, marginalization, wife beating, oppression, among other issues, as x-rayed in Julie Okoh's The Trials stand as a barrier to the growth of the Nigerian woman, particularly in this era where the yearning for positive change and development in our society is of paramount importance. The study also found that men need to modify their perspective on women in order to see them as collaborators or co-partners in the transformation process if there is to be sustained progress in the family institution and the nation as a whole.Considering that both men and women make up society, the research recommends that women be given more influence. The researcher also urges the government to properly adopt additional policies for the women who are eager to fill their quota in support of the advancement of the Nigerian society.