Theatre as social critique in the South African political context: the plays of Zakes Mda

Abstract

English: In the past few years, especially after independence, South African theatre has not been as critical of the political process as one would have expected, given its critical attitude towards the apartheid system. Zakes Mda’s plays, however, have to an extent fulfilled this role. This article investigates the critical nature of some of Zakes Mda’s plays produced before and after independence.

Afrikaans:Gedurende die laaste paar jaar, veral na onafhanklikheid, was die Suid-Afrikaanse teater nie so krities teenoor die politieke proses as wat ’n mens sou verwag nie, gegewe die kritiese ingesteldheid daarvan ten opsigte van die apartheidsisteem. Zakes Mda se dramas het egter hierdie rol in ’n sekere sin vervul. Hierdie artikel kyk spesifiek na die kritiese aard van sommige van Zakes Mda se dramas wat voor én na onafhanklikheid opgevoer is.