Colonial Zimbabwean Theatre, Cultural Production and the Interplay with Rhodesian Power and Discourse

Abstract

This chapter examines the soft power of colonialism which I call Rhodesian discourse. The chapter interrogates the interplay between Rhodesian discourse and Zimbabwean theatre produced in colonial times with occasional reference to other forms of cultural production such as literature. Past and present Zimbabwean theatre established its identity in discursive negotiation and contestation with Rhodesian discourse. I ask what is/was Rhodesian discourse and how did it affect the field of theatre production? At independence, Rhodesian discourse was sidelined from the public sphere to give way to the dominant patriotic and socialist discourse. However, the former reconstituted itself in other forms such as neo-colonialism, and colonial mentality within Eurocentric theatre institutions such as the National Theatre Organisation (NTO).