Didascalies as sign-system in the interpretation of Serudu's dramatic text: Naga ga di etelane

Abstract

Drama displays a unique dichotomy which, in semiotic terms, derives from the relationship between text and performance. The focus of this article will be on those parts of the dramatic text which allow direct access to its disposition towards performance, namely the didascalies or sub-text. Didascalies refer to all those aspects of the dramatic text which contain instructions pertaining to how performance should take place. All signs that will clarify Naga ga di etelane's disposition towards a possible performance—whether in the mind during the process of reading, and/or on the stage or in another suitable venue—are investigated in this article.