This groundbreaking book is the first to comprehensively chronicle the development of dramatic writing and performance in twentieth century South Africa. Concentrating on pageant and ceremony as well as conventional dramatic literature, Loren Kruger discusses in detail both well-known figures such as Athol Fugard and lesser-known actors, directors and impresarios whom have enriched the theatre of South Africa. "The Drama of South Africa" investigates the impact on South African theatre of the American musical, minstrel shows, vaudeville and Black Power. She also highlights the contributions of women, South Asians and other minorities, and concludes with a discussion of the post-apartheid character of South Africa at the end of the twentieth century.
Autorentext
Loren Kruger is Associate Professor of English, Comparative Literature, and African and African-American Studies at the University of Chicago. She is the author of The National Stage and currently editor of Theatre Journal.
Zusammenfassung
The Drama of South Africa comprehensively chronicles the development of dramatic writing and performance from 1910, when the country came into official existence, to the advent of post-apartheid. Eminent theatre historian Loren Kruger discusses well-known figures, as well as lesser-known performers and directors who have enriched the theatre of South Africa. She also highlights the contribution of women and other minorities, concluding with a discussion of the post-apartheid character of South Africa at the end of the twentieth century.
Inhalt
1 Introduction: the drama of South Africa 2 The progress of the national pageant 3 New Africans, neocolonial theatre, and "an African national dramatic movement" 4 Country counter city: urbanization, tribalization, and performance under apartheid 5 Dry white seasons: domestic drama and the Afrikaner ascendancy 6 The drama of black consciousnesses 7 Spaces and markets: the place of theatre as testimony 8 Theatre in the interregnum and beyond