Discussion

The title of Jocelyn Bioh’s School Girls indicates the play’s focus on the current students of Aburi Girls’ boarding school. In the play, scenes depict girlhood as a time of education, friendships, conflict, and self-development. However, in depicting girlhood, the play is also concerned with adulthood. Several adult characters play key roles in the girls’ lives, and the play suggests that students in their final year of school—including Paulina, Ama, and Ericka—are on the cusp of adulthood as they look forward to their future plans that include marriage, college, and careers.