Perspectives on African drama

Abstract

In terms of output play-writing in the various African literatures of southern Africa constitutes a body of literature that should be acknowledged. This includes the role of the radio since it has contributed more than any other institution to the establishment of a theatre tradition, be it then a ‘theatre of the air’. Owing to social and educational circumstances mostly beyond the control of playwrights, the dichotomous nature of the genre has not as yet been implemented satisfactorily. This has resulted in a situation which appears to be more artificially stimulated than artistically realized. Various possibilities are suggested to remedy the situation.