Adoption and adaptation of the African storytelling tradition: A case study of Gcina Mhlophe's work.
Mashele, Tintswalo Millicent
Mashele, Tintswalo Millicent
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the staying power of African storytelling using the South African imbongi, Gcina Mhlophe as a case study. Despite her recognition in terms of artistic awards and honorary doctorates, Mhlophe’s work as storyteller, poet, playwright and educator has not received much scholarly attention. The study examines Mhlophe’s contributions through a critical exploration of her adoption and adaptation of the African storytelling tradition.
In its most basic form, storytelling is a process where a person (the teller), using vocalization, narrative structure and mental imagery, communicates with the participating audience who, in turn, communicate back to the teller through body
language and facial expression in an ongoing call and response cycle. By virtue of its creative, interactive and performative functions, storytelling continues to be one of the most powerful forms of artistic communication known to mankind.
The study focused on the adoption and adaptation of the African storytelling tradition as a peculiar indigenous knowledge system that has not only been able to withstand the test of time but has also continued to affirm its relevance within the modern context. As a case in point, Mhlophe has crafted the art of storytelling and turned it into a force to be reckoned with in the performing and creative arts of South Africa. Through the continuous intersections between orality and literacy, the study shows how the processes of adoption and adaptation have acted as survival strategies for the African storytelling tradition.
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Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree MAGISTER TECHNOLOGIAE: DRAMA In the Department of Drama and Film Faculty of the Arts TSHWANE UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY.
Date
2019-11-01
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Tshwane University of Technology
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Keywords
Storytelling, Imbongi, African storytelling tradion, Gcina Mhlophe