Hidden transcripts—poetry and narratives as therapy for older women confronting pain and suffering

Abstract

abstract Amid sickness and suffering, women, and in particular older women, often engage in therapeutic oral strategies such as the performance of poetry. There is a specific solo dance poetry, peculiarly known as ukushoza or ukujoqa, within the community of Zwelibomvu. This is similar to what in most areas is referred to as izigiyo. While izigiyo is normally performed by both men and women, in this community, ukushoza or ukujoqa is performed only by women, in order to communicate their perceptions, experiences and feelings about the way of life in their families and communities. Ukushoza is said to be solo dance poetry because it is initiated by an individual who is joined by fellow women during its performance. This focus considers the genre as it pertains to women. Henceforth referred to as ukushoza, this type of poetry, which could be regarded as women's praise poetry, normally takes place in the presence of fellow women. However, family ceremonies also provide an opportunity for women to perform in the presence of men, to whom the poems are primarily directed. I argue that the messages conveyed through ukushoza are, especially when viewed in conjunction with the stories behind their composition, a therapy for women who have to deal with the day-to-day realities of pain and suffering, in the context of HIV and AIDS.