Malawian Popular Commercial Stage Drama: Origins, Challenges and Growth*

Abstract

This article explores the factors that influenced the birth and development of popular commercial stage drama in Malawi. It analyses the origins and changing political relations of the main popular drama groups, examines the social networks that linked key artists and emphasises the important role of formal educational institutions. It also investigates the production methods used by different groups at different times, their directing styles and aesthetics. The study focuses on Chichewa and English language drama groups operating from Blantyre, whose dynamics are different from those in other regions, which also use Yao and Tumbuka. My sources comprise commentaries by David Kerr, Chris Kamlongera, Joyce Kumpukwe and Steve Chimombo, complemented by in-depth interviews with actors, directors and university lecturers, and reflections on my own personal experience. I argue that despite the restrictive environment created by the Banda regime in the 1960s and 1970s, popular commercial stage drama began to interact with University drama in the early 1980s and became a significant force in Malawian political culture, given its capacity to shape popular opinion and influence ordinary people's understanding of politics and politicians. It has proved a powerful medium for artists to bring aesthetic and moral commentary to broad audiences.