Performing transformations of identity: ‘Ethnic’ nationalisms and syncretic theatre in post-apartheid South Africa

Abstract

This article explores some of the ways in which questions of identity are caught up in issues of performance. It describes the emergence of two distinct traditions in this regard – one which considers the enactment of a ‘self’ in terms of performance as a kind of deception; and another which considers all descriptions of identity to rely on representations of performance. It goes on to examine representations of nationalism and ethnic identity in post-apartheid theatre, and contrasts these with attempts at a syncretic theatre which avoids concretising identity in terms of ethnicity. Finally, the article discusses the theatre as an ideal site for investigations into the cultural negotiations required in the delineation and transformation of identities, with reference to a number of recent South African plays.