The lianja epic of Zaire in the dynamics of orature

Abstract

This study attempts to analyse three versions of the Lianja epic from Zaire. Two of them are traditional and the other is modern. The modern version is currently performed by the Zairean National Theatre called "Compagnie Theatrale Mobutu Sese Seko Kulcu Mgbedu wa Zabanga (C.T.M.S.S. )." The study consists of four chapters. The first is an introduction to the work. The second deals with the background to Zairean Orature. The third is a detailed description of the three performances witnessed and recorded by the author; the characters ,performers), the participants, the occasions, times and venues of the performances, the costumes, the make-up and props, the progress of action along with the effects (music accompaniment and other audio-visuals). The fourth chapter attempts a comparative analysis. This analysis is mainly based on the content of the three versions, the setting, the incidents, the structure(the sequences into which the performances fall), the themes, the language and style. The study concludes that the C.T.M.S.S. version, in its transition from the traditional performance to the modern, has gained a contemporary and national status. It has become a comprehensive account of the whole Zairean culture performed in a shortened but aimed at a wider audience. The modern version is a variant of the traditional one. This indicates that orature is dynamic. It is capable of change, extension, adaptation and modification in response to socio-historical forces. It is, therefore, a viable means of artistic communication for contemporary African society.