Where Do We Go From Here?: developing women's playscripts in post-apartheid Southern Africa

AbstractThis paper arises out of a research project resulting in the compilation of an anthology of plays by Southern African women. It examines the process of the development of two plays included in the anthology. The plays explore, in the one case, the circumstances which impact on South African Hindu women, and in the other, those affecting an aspiring black female university student. The difficulties experienced in collecting material for the anthology reflect the urgent need to encourage and actively develop writing by women of colour in this country. The problems encountered by women playwrights are outlined, and the process undertaken to develop these two plays is subjected to critical evaluation. The social and personal oppression represented in the plays is also considered. This specific analysis is placed in a context of South African women playwrights' experience of and attitudes towards theatre in South Africa.