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This is the first anthology to focus exclusively on the lives of Black South African women. This collection represents the work of both female and male writers, including national and international award-winning playwrights. The collection includes six full-length and four one-act plays, as well as interviews with the writers, who candidly discuss the theatrical and political situation in the new South Africa. Written before and after apartheid, the plays present varying approaches and theatrical styles from solo performances to collective creations. The plays dramatise issues as diverse as: * women's rights * displacement from home * violence against women * the struggle to keep families together * racial identity * education in the old and new South Africa * and health care.
This anthology captures the lived experiences and political struggles of Black South African women through the medium of contemporary theater. The collection features a diverse array of playwrights who utilize both solo performances and collective creations to navigate the complexities of life before and after the fall of apartheid. These works serve as a narrative framework for examining the physical and social constraints imposed by systemic inequality, while simultaneously highlighting the resilience of the human spirit. The plays function as a dialogue between the personal objectives of the characters and the broader, often oppressive, political forces of their environment.
Discussion often centers on the significance of this anthology as a foundational text for understanding the intersection of gender and politics in South Africa. Readers frequently highlight the raw, candid nature of the included interviews, which provide essential context for the plays' thematic depth. Critics note that the balance between established award-winning writers and emerging voices creates a comprehensive view of the theatrical landscape. The collection is widely regarded as a vital resource for those interested in how performance art reflects and shapes societal change. The variety of formats, from solo pieces to ensemble works, ensures that the reader experiences a wide spectrum of creative expression.
Page Count:
0
Publication Date:
1998-01-01
Publisher:
Routledge
ISBN-10:
0203983610
ISBN-13:
9780203983614
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