This is a collection of interviews with15 South African theatre practitioners who have made their mark on the development of anti-apartheid theatre. The project was launched out of curiosity to find out what kept alternative theatre alive and kicking during the years of repression, and also how these people envisaged the role of theatre in the cultural development of post-apartheid South Africa. The interviews, some of which are also personal testimonies, throw new light on the ways in which theatre was able to get past the censors and through the security meshes of the special Branch, and how it helped conscientise the township youth during the final phase of the struggle. The book also uncovers some of the latent tensions in the wings among some of the practitioners, some of which may still be waiting to be resolved. Interviews were conducted with, amongst others, Zakes Mda, Ronnie Govender, John Kani and Gibson Kente. This is a collection of interviews with15 South African theatre practitioners who have made their mark on the development of anti-apartheid theatre. The project was launched out of curiosity to find out what kept alternative theatre alive and kicking during the years of repression, and also how these people envisaged the role of theatre in the cultural development of post-apartheid South Africa. The interviews, some of which are also personal testimonies, throw new light on the ways in which theatre was able to get past the censors and through the security meshes of the special Branch, and how it helped conscientise the township youth during the final phase of the struggle. The book also uncovers some of the latent tensions in the wings among some of the practitioners, some of which may still be waiting to be resolved. Interviews were conducted with, amongst others, Zakes Mda, Ronnie Govender, John Kani and Gibson Kente.
