Politics and Performance

This volume is a collection of essays that explore aspects of popular culture in South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. These writings examine such topics as the degree of state control over theatre, the interaction – or lack of it – between high and popular culture, the struggle to define meaningful cultural forms in the wake of a dominating and exclusive colonial culture and the contribution of women. What emerges is a strong sense of regional concerns shared by the Southern African cultures under discussion, the contributors also give voice to crucial differences and debates on the nature of contemporary theatre and performance and the links with popular culture, politics and nation.