A comparative study of six Xhosa radio dramas

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is based on the comparison of six Xhosa radio dramas spanning the period 1987 and 1988. The main objective is to investigate the strengths and weaknesses which manifestthemselves in the dramas. The dramas are compared with respect to the six structuralelements of drama viz., theme, plot, characterization, time and space, and the techniques ofproduction.Themes are studied to establish whether there have been any developments as far as thechoice of themes is concerned in Xhosa radio dramas or whether there has been stagnation.Also given is a brief literary history of the themes broadcast in the Xhosa radio.The analysis of the plot structure is also done to identify the areas where they met therequirements successfully as well as where they failed to. The dramas are analysedaccording to the traditional approach Le. the exposition, complication, climax and thedenouement.With regard to characterization, the characters are classified according to the function theyperform viz., the protagonist, antagonist, tritagonist and confidante. They are also analysedaccording to their individual nature Le. whether they are static or dynamic, mono- ormultidimensional etc. Techniques that the playwrights have used in the portrayal of theircharacters are also examined.The aspects of time and space are also discussed, to investigate the artistic skills of the different dramatists in handling the time and space relations. Time is viewed with respect tothe following: order, duration, frequency, tempo and the presentation of the time structures.Space is discussed with respect to the following: type, function, and the techniques oflocalisation.A critical comparison of the production techniques used by these different playwrights isexplored, the focus being on the microphone, sound effects and music.The examination conducted in the study basically revealed that there is little development inXhosa radio dramas.The themes that are broadcast are mainly for entertainment and consequently have little intellectual depth. There is also a lack of innovation which is shown by the repetition of thesame themes.The playwrights also lack skill as far as plot construction is concerned. The plays are devoidof conflictThe absence of conflict in the dramas has an effect on characterization. It has given rise toweak antagonists in the dramas.Lack of focus regarding the main character is one of the faults that is evident in the dramas.Because of the fact that all characters are on the level of importance, it becomes difficult topin-point who the focal character is.Finally, the Xhosa radio dramas discussed in this thesis revealed that there is latent potentialin the Xhosa dramatists and the producers. It is therefore necessary that they should bemotivated towards research on the subject and consultation with people who areknowledgeable in this sub-genre. Such actions could be of assistance towards theimprovement of skills and techniques needed in the writing of the radio drama

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University