Constructing Patience: postcolonial theatre as a possibility for redemption

Abstract

This paper centres on the definition of failure in a theatrical work. Failure is pursued as an epitome for possibilities, thus shifting the boundaries of theatrical work outside of conventional lines of understanding. The notion is to remove the fear of failure within a work, in order to explore new means through which a work can be produced. In this article, myself, the researcher, and my supervisor discuss the failures within my theatrical work, in order to re-imagine new possibilities in which the work can occur. Failure is seen as an opportunity, to not only draw on what it is that failed within a work, but to also build on that which has worked. The work itself centres on failure. It is thus a case where form and content mirror the possibilities through which an artwork can be reproduced. The article refers to notions of queerness when referring to failure. This queerness is also situated within the theories of Walter Benjamin. Failure becomes a historical construct, and becomes the key means through which to constantly reproduce the postcolonial effect. Here, the postcolonial refers to the failure of Colonialism, as well as the failure in progressing the self forward after breaking the actions put forth by Colonialism. The objective of this article is to move postcolonial texts forwards, to learn from the failures committed, and to reproduce postcolonialism as a transformative entity.