The play "Cetshwayo" by Dhlomo explores the historical and socio-political parallels between the periods spanning 1818-1879 and 1910-1936. The protagonist, Cetshwayo, represents the struggle against colonialism and oppression, while also serving as an allegory for the predicaments of apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. Dhlomo shifts his ideology and aesthetics throughout the play, moving from a Christian-liberal worldview to a militant liberal-democratic nationalism.
Through allegory and tragedy, Dhlomo reorders the past to shed light on the present. For example, the character of Cetshwayo's struggle against colonial powers mirrors the struggles of those fighting against apartheid in South Africa. The tragic fate of Cetshwayo serves as a warning of the consequences of giving in to oppression and losing one's cultural identity.
Dhlomo uses the past to explain the predicaments of apartheid and post-apartheid dilemmas, highlighting the ongoing struggles of the South African people. By drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary issues, Dhlomo's play serves as a critique of the oppressive systems that have oppressed the African people throughout history.
Please summarise the following play and answer the questions
"In their return to the past and allegorical critique of the present, Cetshwayo establishes the historical and socio-political parallels between the periods spanning 1818-1879 and 1910-
1936. The play reveals a complex and profound shift in Dhlomo's ideology and aesthetics a)from a Christian-liberal worldview to a militant liberal-democratic nationalism" (Peterson
1991, 31).
Use the above assertion as a point of departure to discuss how Dhlomo uses allegory and tragedy to reorder the past and use it to explain the predicaments of apartheid and post-apartheid dilemmas. Use examples from the text to support your response.
1 answer