The play begins with Dalubuhle rehearsing his lines on the stage. The setting - the school hall- symbolises the power dynamics at play. The scene also introduces the central conflict, establishing the protagonist and the antagonist. The protagonist, represented by the group of students, -"tomorrow's people," embodies the values and aspirations of a new generation, frustrated by the ongoing suppression. In contrast, the antagonist, embodied by Miss Jubane, represents the stereotypical oppressive and retrogressive perspective in education, politics and society.
Alone on stage, Dalubuhle is portrayed as a champion for
rebellion and the recognition of African culture. His influence in the campaign for local cultural recognition is significant as it propels the plot leading to its climax. The exposition of the play is thus characterised by tension.
Dalubuhle's opening soliloquy establishes the major conflict: a cultural clash between Western and African traditions, particularly in literary works. By adapting Shakespeare's Julius Caesar, Dalubuhle positions himself as a rebellious character. His dual role - as both Dalubuhle the student and a "young black actor" - highlights the two conflicting sides he navigates.
On one hand, he is expected to perform Shakespeare's play, directed by Miss Jubane; on the other hand, he must present the improvised script crafted by the students during her absence. This internal conflict propels the narrative forward generating the curiosity of the audience.
The sudden
appearance of Miss Jubane disrupts the rehearsal, challenging the alterations made to the script. This interruption reflects the challenges students they face as they seek to establish their identities and advocate for the recognition of local writers. Miss Jubane's exclamation, "...not Shakespeare!" portrays her as intolerant and rigid. Her intolerance is further emphasised be her action of snatching "the script from Dalu's hand."
It is ironic that Miss Jubane plans to take her students to
Scotland on a cultural tour while simultaneously forbidding them from showcasing local culture. The play thus mocks her and the education system that glorifies foreign cultures at the expense of local culture.
Dalubuhle and Miles find it absurd that they are expected to "shock Scotland" with a performance of Julius Caesar, especially as non-native English speakers. Miss Jubane, however, insists that Shakespeare is "on the syllabus and will be for years before he is removed." Her mention of the syllabus - a formal and authoritative document - suggests a bias towards Western writers like Shakespeare.
The
exposition also explores themes of cultural appropriation and power dynamics, wherein teachers and financially affluent counties exploit those who are less privileged. Students, along with education system, struggle to promote the culture under pressure from wealthier and more powerful influence. Mis Jubane perpetuates this cultural appropriation. Ironically, as an educator, she is oblivious to the fact that promoting foreign cultures
diminishes her own. She is not only an unthinking character but also a static one, lacking the autonomy and independent thought necessary for teaching literature effectively.
Miss Jubane believes that Shakespeare's artistic skills are unsurpassable. As a result, she embodies a retrogressive teaching style, glorifying the past while failing to acknowledge that Shakespeare is merely one of the many writers who have contributed to literature. She overlooks the potential for the present generation to produce equally valuable
literary works.
The lights at the beginning of the play foreshadow a new era and generation envisioned not only by the playwright but also by characters like Dalubuhle and Miles. However, the fading lights at the end of the scene signal the passage of time as the characters look forward to ushering in a new era characterised by strong cultural identity and recognition. The scene concludes on a hopeful note as the characters resolve to embark on a "fight" they must "win."
Tension exists between Western and African cultures, with Miss Jubane representing a stagnant perspective. The head of the school
embodies an educational system that prioritises western literature over local African narratives. The new script symbolises a generation that values its culture and literature, while Scotland represents Western influence and acculturation. The irony lies in the purpose of the trip to Scotland, which is meant to foster cultural exchange, yet the students are expected to present a play about Shakespeare, reflecting Western culture rather than showcasing their
local heritage.
This commercialised consumption of western culture falsely elevates it above African literature. The students'
agitation and plea of local writers, such as Conti Mhlanga and Tsitsi Dangarembga, become central to the narrative. Additionally, the violent act of Miss Jubane grabbing the script underscores the power struggle at play, highlighting the conflict between the desire for cultural recognition and the constraints imposed by outdated educational system.
The playwright employs charactonym to highlight the themes in the play. The name Dalubuhle translates to "creator of goodness/beauty." This name is significant in the narrative as Dalubuhle embodies the ideals of cultural pride and the promotion of
African heritage. As a character, he is depicted as a champion for local culture and identity, actively rebelling against the dominance of western influences in literature and education. In contrast, the name Jubane, which means "speed," highlights Miss Jubane's role as a catalyst for the students' desire to assert their identities. On the other hand, while her name suggests agility and swift action, her actions are stagnant and restrictive, illustrating a disconnect between her name's connotation and her character's role in the play. Miles's name signifies his willingness to embark on
a journey of cultural reclamation alongside Dalubuhle. Clearly, the students represent "tomorrow's people," a new generation of people purposed to change the status quo and usher in a new era.
It is important to note that the tensions introduced in the exposition foreshadow the intense political clashes that escalate into violence, ultimately leading to the tragic deaths of some characters. The initial conflicts between Dalubuhle and Miss Jubane, centred around the script and cultural identity, are symbolic of a deeper, systematic struggle.
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