| dc.description.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. | en |
