The dynamic nature of drama is reflected in the inherent dichotomous composition of text and performance. The continuing controversy about the infrequent public performances of the almost 250 published texts in African languages and the literary approach towards Northern Sotho texts have prompted the present survey. Two main reasons are identified for the existing textual centricity in the approach towards Northern Sotho dramas, namely text-external and text-internal factors. The latter forms the main focus of attention in this study. The role of the didascalies as semiotic sign-system - referring to all aspects of the dramatic text which contain instructions for a potential performance - are investigated. The scrutiny of the stage directions afforded an unequalled vantage point in revealing the ostensive or performance nature of the three dramas by M.S. Serudu. In conclusion possible solutions for the future are offered against the background of the findings arrived at in the analysis. / African Languages / M.A. (African Languages)

Thesis (M.A. (African Languages)) -- University of the North, 1988 / Refer to the document

The dynamic nature of drama is reflected in the inherent dichotomous composition of text and performance. The continuing controversy about the infrequent public performances of the almost 250 published texts in African languages and the literary approach towards Northern Sotho texts have prompted the present survey. Two main reasons are identified for the existing textual centricity in the approach towards Northern Sotho dramas, namely text-external and text-internal factors. The latter forms the main focus of attention in this study. The role of the didascalies as semiotic sign-system - referring to all aspects of the dramatic text which contain instructions for a potential performance - are investigated. The scrutiny of the stage directions afforded an unequalled vantage point in revealing the ostensive or performance nature of the three dramas by M.S. Serudu. In conclusion possible solutions for the future are offered against the background of the findings arrived at in the analysis. / African Languages / M.A. (African Languages)

M.A. (African Languages) / The aim of this study is to make a critical survey of the development of Northern Sotho drama and specifically the treatment of kingship in Marangrang and Tswala e a Ja. Kingship in real life is usually accompanied by conflicts. The dramatists Maloma and Makgaleng in Marangrang and Tswala e a Ja respectively are aware of this fact.' The two texts are based on kingship conflicts. Conflict is an important element in drama, especially tragedy. Kingship is studied under the Characterization, Plot and Dialogue.

MA (Northern Sotho) / Senthara ya M. E. R. Mathivha Dipolelong tsa Afrika, Bokgabo le Setso Karolog ya Sesotho sa Leboa / See the attached abstract below

MA (Northern Sotho) / Senthara ya M. E. R. Mathivha Dipopelong tsa Afrika, Bokgabo le Setso / See the attached abstract below

The main aim of the study is to make a historical-biographical analysis of four selected Northern Sotho dramatic texts. Chapter one illustrates that the texts we have selected are historical dramas since they deal with the life histories of historical characters. In order to comprehend these texts, it is important to view them as evidence of oral history. The chapter also discusses the approach used by Fleischman which consists of the following parameters: authenticity, intention, reception, social function, narrative syntax and finally narrator involvement. Chapter two discusses the play Marangrang as a reflection of the consequences of Shaka's imperialism and how this affected the Eastern Transvaal in 1820. The chapter illustrates that in order to understand the life history of Marangrang, it is important to discuss it in relation to this period, popularly known as difaqane. It is clear that information about Marangrang has been deliberately distorted because of fear. Chapter three deals with the destructive consequences of Western religion on the traditional African religion. The chapter is based on the life history of Kgasane, who was murdered in 1884, allegedly for his devotion to Christianity. The chapter shows the importance of the need to make a re-interpretation of missionary writings, specifically those surrounding the Berlin Mission Society in South Africa. Chapter four focuses on the role of formal education in the destruction of the Bakgaga ba GaMphahlele history. The chapter is based on the life history of Kgosi Mmutle Ill in bringing formal education to the people of Mphahlele and how this destroyed certain traditional institutions such as chieftainship. Chapter five deals with the problems experienced by mineworkers and also shows the sufferings of Africans at the hands of the government. The chapter is based on the life of Serogole Mathobela, who once worked in the mine. Chapter six is a conclusion where the findings of the previous chapters are made. The reasons why the authors of these texts suspended certain information while highlighting other information varies from fear to propaganda. In conclusion, it is observed that in order to do justice to oral history more financial support is needed. / African Languages / D.Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)

The aim of this research is to investigate cultural conflicts in Northern Sotho dramas. At the beginning of the work, reasons for the choice of the topic are given, and thereafter, the methodology to be adopted in analysing the plays is outlined. Various factors considered to be contributory to the acculturation of traditional Africans are discussed. Throughout this study, traditionalists oppose westernised Africans because of strange norms and practices they have adopted. The two parties disagree on issues like arranged marriage, remarriage and leadership. Christianity features prominently as the basic cause of conflict. Modernists oppose traditional practices on the ground that they are not in conformity with Christian principles. The plays are compared to determine how each playwright has attempted to resolve conflicts in his respective play. The study ends with a comment on findings where traditionalism, being a common enemy in the three plays, is overridden by modernity. / African Languages / M.A. (African Languages)

The main aim of the study is to make a historical-biographical analysis of four selected Northern Sotho dramatic texts. Chapter one illustrates that the texts we have selected are historical dramas since they deal with the life histories of historical characters. In order to comprehend these texts, it is important to view them as evidence of oral history. The chapter also discusses the approach used by Fleischman which consists of the following parameters: authenticity, intention, reception, social function, narrative syntax and finally narrator involvement. Chapter two discusses the play Marangrang as a reflection of the consequences of Shaka's imperialism and how this affected the Eastern Transvaal in 1820. The chapter illustrates that in order to understand the life history of Marangrang, it is important to discuss it in relation to this period, popularly known as difaqane. It is clear that information about Marangrang has been deliberately distorted because of fear. Chapter three deals with the destructive consequences of Western religion on the traditional African religion. The chapter is based on the life history of Kgasane, who was murdered in 1884, allegedly for his devotion to Christianity. The chapter shows the importance of the need to make a re-interpretation of missionary writings, specifically those surrounding the Berlin Mission Society in South Africa. Chapter four focuses on the role of formal education in the destruction of the Bakgaga ba GaMphahlele history. The chapter is based on the life history of Kgosi Mmutle Ill in bringing formal education to the people of Mphahlele and how this destroyed certain traditional institutions such as chieftainship. Chapter five deals with the problems experienced by mineworkers and also shows the sufferings of Africans at the hands of the government. The chapter is based on the life of Serogole Mathobela, who once worked in the mine. Chapter six is a conclusion where the findings of the previous chapters are made. The reasons why the authors of these texts suspended certain information while highlighting other information varies from fear to propaganda. In conclusion, it is observed that in order to do justice to oral history more financial support is needed. / African Languages / D.Litt. et Phil. (African Languages)

The aim of this research is to investigate cultural conflicts in Northern Sotho dramas. At the beginning of the work, reasons for the choice of the topic are given, and thereafter, the methodology to be adopted in analysing the plays is outlined. Various factors considered to be contributory to the acculturation of traditional Africans are discussed. Throughout this study, traditionalists oppose westernised Africans because of strange norms and practices they have adopted. The two parties disagree on issues like arranged marriage, remarriage and leadership. Christianity features prominently as the basic cause of conflict. Modernists oppose traditional practices on the ground that they are not in conformity with Christian principles. The plays are compared to determine how each playwright has attempted to resolve conflicts in his respective play. The study ends with a comment on findings where traditionalism, being a common enemy in the three plays, is overridden by modernity. / African Languages / M.A. (African Languages)