Abstract:
"My texts refer to historical facts because I
feel that they must have credibility. In this
way they can arouse interest among the readers."
(Khaketla, interview 25/04/1994)
This study "Reflection of history in Khaketla's dramas .. A comparative
analysis" elucidates the view that the playwright utilised the narrative
imagination in order to reflect history. His works show imaginary resolution
of real conflicts however he has significantly avoided certain areas of real
experiences in pursuance of dramatic plot.
In this work the two dramas Tholoana tsa Sethepu and Bulane are compared to
historical episodes concerning Griffith's feud of succession 1926-1939 and
the installation of Seeiso as paramount chief in 1939. Khaketla is believed
to have been influenced by past historical experiences when writing the
texts. The historical context is considered here as a situation around which
the dramas were conceived. Boulton (1960) points out that the modern
dramatist generally tries to take a plot from his own head or he may show his
originality by taking a well-known historical episode and handle it so as to
throw new light upon it. Boulton views history as a mine of good stories and
that, with imagination a playwright can create a whole play of passion and
conflict out of it. This view summarizes my approach to the analysis of
Khaketla's plays which are considered as products of historical experiences.
