“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.
Provide Harvard references for this
Peterson, J. (1991). "Cetshwayo: Zulu Adeventures in Natal" by R.V. Selope Thema. The Drama Review. 35(1), 31.
In R.V. Selope Thema's play "Cetshwayo: Zulu Adventures in Natal," Dhlomo utilizes allegory and tragedy as a means to reorder the past and draw parallels to the socio-political climate of apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. As Peterson (1991) notes, the play reflects a shift in Dhlomo's ideology and aesthetics from a Christian-liberal worldview to a militant liberal-democratic nationalism.
One way Dhlomo achieves this is through the character of Cetshwayo, the Zulu king who fiercely resists British colonization in the 19th century. Through Cetshwayo's tragic fate, Dhlomo symbolically criticizes the oppressive nature of colonialism and apartheid. The character's struggle against imperialism serves as an allegory for the broader fight against oppression in South Africa.
Additionally, Dhlomo's use of allegory allows him to offer a powerful commentary on post-apartheid dilemmas. By drawing parallels between historical events and contemporary issues, Dhlomo highlights the enduring legacy of colonialism and the challenges facing a newly liberated South Africa. The play serves as a cautionary tale, urging audiences to reflect on the past in order to navigate the complexities of the present.
Overall, Dhlomo's use of allegory and tragedy in "Cetshwayo: Zulu Adventures in Natal" allows him to reframe the past in a way that speaks to the realities of apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa. By exploring themes of resistance, oppression, and liberation, Dhlomo creates a work that is both historically rooted and socially relevant.
Reference:
Peterson, J. (1991). "Cetshwayo: Zulu Adeventures in Natal" by R.V. Selope Thema. The Drama Review. 35(1), 31.