Explain The influence of modernism and Postmodernism on English South African Theatre according to the brief below

Question

What is South African modernism

The starting point for both strands of research is the question: What is South African modernism? This is not easy to answer, as modernism is traditionally thought of as a Euro-American artistic movement spanning roughly the period 1890-1939. It is associated with specific conditions of modernity, including (amongst other factors) the emergence of global capitalism, empire, women's rights, secularisation, war, the development of new sciences and evolutionary theories, new technologies and transports, mass culture and popular forms. Though these circumstances and issues are typically considered in Euro-American contexts, colonial writers and artists were also implicated in, and engaging with, these concerns.

The global turn in modernist studies that has taken place since 2000 has challenged some of the long-held assumptions about the periods and places of modernism (Sweeney 2004; Doyle and Winkiel 2005; Seshagiri 2010; Platt 2011; Wollaeger and Eatough 2012; Stanford Friedman 2015). However these discussions have also been hampered by two key conceptual problems. Either the temporal and geographical parameters that make modernism intelligible as an artistic response to capitalist modernity are jettisoned in order to incorporate international texts and artists; or otherwise investigations in to the global cultural influences on the work of canonical modernists tend to reinforce the racist primitivising and Orientalising tendencies of Western literature.

The typical interpretation of the relationship between Africa and modernism exemplifies both of these problems, casting Africa in either a primitive or belated role. Either African artforms are reduced to passive primitivist imagery that has to be reworked by European artists and writers in order to be truly modernist; or otherwise African artists and writers such as Ernest Mancoba, Chinua Achebe and Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o are described as "late modernists" or imitators of Euro-American forms.

This research project challenges long-held beliefs about the relationship between Africa and modernism through a specific case study on South African modernism. Through a range of planned publications, the team will newly explore the forms and functions of South African literary modernism, and the textual and personal connections between South African and other modernists, whilst retaining a central interest in the relationships between the aesthetics and politics of South African modernism.

Answer 1

The Influence of Modernism and Postmodernism on English South African Theatre

South African Modernism

To understand the influence of modernism on English South African theatre, it is essential to first unpack the concept of South African modernism itself. Historically, modernism emerged as a response to the rapid changes brought about by industrialization, urbanization, and the shifting social structures in Europe and America between the late 19th and early 20th centuries. However, South Africa's unique context includes colonialism, apartheid, and its socio-political struggles, which complicate traditional definitions of modernism.

In South Africa, modernism can be seen as an artistic and literary movement that sought to articulate the complexities of identity, culture, and socio-political realities shaped by colonial history and racial segregation. South African modernist writers and artists engaged with universal themes—such as alienation, dislocation, and the quest for authenticity—while also reflecting local realities. Unlike their Euro-American counterparts, South African modernists had to navigate the nuances of a multicultural society grappling with issues of race, class, and power dynamics, ultimately leading to a distinct modernist expression.

Influence of Modernism

The influence of modernism on English South African theatre can be observed in several key areas:

1. Form and Structure: South African playwrights incorporated modernist techniques such as fragmentation, stream-of-consciousness, and non-linear narratives. This stylistic experimentation challenged traditional narrative forms and reflected the dislocation and fractured identities within South African society. Works by playwrights like Athol Fugard often exhibit these characteristics, exploring the complexities of apartheid and the individual’s quest for meaning.

2. Themes of Alienation and Identity: Modernist themes such as existentialism and alienation resonate strongly in South African theatre. The oppressive apartheid regime fostered feelings of disconnection and exclusion, which artists like Fugard, and later, theatre-makers like Winter and Madlala explored in their works. The characters often navigate their identities in a society that imposes rigid racial boundaries, echoing the modernist preoccupation with self-exploration against the backdrop of societal turmoil.

3. Political Engagement: South African modernism was deeply intertwined with political issues, particularly in its critique of social injustice and colonial legacy. The theatre became a site for political expression and resistance, as seen in the work of playwrights like Fugard, who highlighted the struggles against apartheid and advocated for social change. This intersection of aesthetics and politics reflects the modernist goal of art as a means to confront and transform society.

Influence of Postmodernism

As South African theatre evolved, the influence of postmodernism began to emerge, particularly from the late 20th century onwards. Postmodernist theatre challenges established conventions and emphasizes plurality, intertextuality, and a questioning of grand narratives, which is particularly relevant within the South African context.

1. Deconstruction of Narratives: Postmodern South African theatre often deconstructs linear narratives, employing devices such as meta-theatricality, parody, and pastiche. This is evident in the works of playwrights such as Zakes Mda and Mbongi Ngema, who blend various forms and genres to challenge dominant cultural narratives. Their works often incorporate elements of traditional South African storytelling, thus bridging the gap between modernism and local cultural forms.

2. Identity and Hybridity: Postmodernism’s emphasis on the fluidity of identity resonates in the South African context, where cultural hybridity and multiplicity are essential to understanding its diversity. The portrayal of characters who navigate multiple identities and cultural influences reflects the postmodern notion that identities are constructed and fragmented rather than fixed. This exploration is particularly significant in a country with a rich tapestry of ethnicities and languages, all struggling for recognition and representation.

3. Critique of Power Structures: The postmodern focus on power dynamics and the critique of authority also permeates South African theatre. Playwrights frequently address issues related to the legacy of apartheid, corruption, and social inequalities within contemporary South African society. The works engage with the complexities of power, reflecting the ongoing struggle for justice and equality, while often employing humor and irony as tools of critique.

Conclusion

The interplay between modernism and postmodernism has fundamentally shaped English South African theatre, creating a rich and dynamic landscape of artistic expression. South African modernism confronts the unique socio-political realities of the country through its engagement with the past, while postmodernism catalyzes an exploration of identity, power, and cultural hybridity in a post-apartheid context. Together, these movements contribute to a nuanced understanding of South African theatre as a site of resistance, reflection, and dialogue, challenging both local and global narratives. Through continual exploration and reinterpretation, South African theatre remains a vital medium for articulating complex identities and socio-political realities within a global framework.