Reflection of history in Khaketla's dramas: A comparative analysis.

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.