Theory question 101
Other Set Texts: African DramaLiterature 2, Section A: African Drama. Athol Fugard: Sizwe Bansi is Dead
Discuss the dramatic techniques used in the play.
Show the model answer
Monologue and direct address: Styles opens with a long monologue to the audience about Ford factory and his studio.
Mime and role-play: Styles acts out Mr Baas Bradley and the workers; Buntu and Sizwe play other roles (e.g. Buntu acting as a white official to train Sizwe).
Flashback: Sizwe's visit to the studio leads back to how he met Buntu and found Robert Zwelinzima's body.
The photograph and the letter to his wife Nowetu (dictated) as devices that record and recreate experience.
Small cast playing several roles; improvised, minimal set; humour mixed with tragedy.
Symbolism of the passbook and of the photograph (a 'card' of a man's dreams).
Effect: makes the audience feel the injustice of the apartheid pass laws.
Name each technique and show its effect.