SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This thesis explores women and theatre for development in Swaziland. It focuses on how theatre for development is used as a tool in the development of women. Firstly, I examine the key concepts used throughout the thesis and I pay special attention to Theatre for Development. In the second chapter, I give an account of the country's history and pay special attention to the social status of women. In chapter 3, I examine the various forms of performance found in Swaziland and how they impact on the development of Swazi women. In the fourth chapter, I consider the evolution of literary practice in Swaziland and discuss two play-texts in English by H.I.E Dhlomo, a key literary figure and pioneer playwright of modem black drama in South Africa. I explore A Witch in My Heart by Hilda Kuper, a white anthropologist who lived in Swaziland in the mid twentieth century, and lastly. The Paper Bride by Zodwa Motsa, a contemporary Swazi writer. Next, in chapter 5, 1 investigate the first phase of Theatre for Development in Swaziland where non-governmental organizations, the Swazi Government and independent individuals worked together using Theatre for Development in Swazi communities. I consider first the workshops initiated by the youth. In chapter 6, I give an account of workshops involving whole communities and the kudliwa inhloko ebandla, a workshop that involved men only. In all these workshops 1 examine how they impacted on the development of women. I then conclude with a discussion of the findings of the study and their implications for the development of women.