From Folktale to Stage: Compositional Strategies in the Musical Fable Self-Serving for the Preservation of Eʋe Oral Traditions

This article examines how the Eʋe folktale “Self-Serving” was adapted into a musical fable as a means of preserving oral traditions in contemporary society. Among the Eʋe people, folktales are not only stories but also performances that combine music, movement, and participation to teach values and strengthen community life. Today, however, these traditions are facing decline because of modernisation and changing cultural contexts. The study responds to this challenge by showing how creative adaptation can keep such traditions alive and meaningful. The work is guided by the 2003 UNESCO Convention on the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which calls for traditions to remain dynamic and continually renewed. The article demonstrates how compositional strategies such as rhythmic patterns that reflect character traits, musical contrasts that highlight moral lessons, and the use of gesture and audience participation transform the folktale into a staged performance that is both faithful to its roots and engaging for modern audiences. Beyond performance, the work underscores the educational value of folktales reimagined through music and drama. It concludes that the musical fable offers a practical model for bridging tradition and modernity, advancing UNESCO’s vision of safeguarding intangible heritage while ensuring that Eʋe oral traditions remain vibrant, relevant, and resilient for future generations.