Shakespeare and the Coconuts

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Shakespeare and the Coconuts

On post-apartheid South African culture

Cultural studies National liberation and independence

Author: Natasha Distiller

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Language: English

Published by: Wits University Press

Published on: 1st June 2012

Format: LCP-protected ePub

Size: 418 Kb

ISBN: 9781868145973


Introduction

In this book Natasha Distiller explores historic and contemporary uses of Shakespeare in South African society which illustrate the complexities of colonial and post-colonial realities as they relate to iconic Englishness.

Beginning with Solomon Plaatje, the author looks at the development of an elite group educated in English and able to use Shakespeare to formulate South African works and South African identities.

Refusing simple or easy answers, Distiller then explores the South African Shakespearian tradition postapartheid.

Touching on the work of, amongst others, Can Themba, Bloke Modisane, Antony Sher, Stephen Francis, Rico Schacherl and Kopano Matlwa, and including the popular media as well as school textbooks, Shakespeare and the Coconuts engages with aspects of South Africa’s complicated, painful, fascinating political and cultural worlds, and their intersections.

Written in an accessible style to explain current cultural theory, Shakespeare and the Coconuts will be of interest to students, academics and the general interested reader.

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