The problem of audience: a study of Durban worker poetry.
Date
1993
Authors
Kromberg, Steve
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Abstract
This dissertation shows how both poets and their audiences have
played a central role in the emergence of Durban Worker poetry. A
review of critical responses to worker poetry concludes that
insufficient attention has been paid to questions of audience.
Performances of worker poetry are analysed, highlighting the
conventions used by the audience when participating in and
evaluating the poetry, Social, political and literary factors which
have influenced the audience of worker poetry are explored, as are
the factors which led to the emergence of worker poetry. In
discussing the influence of the Zulu izibongo (praise poetry) on
worker poetry, particular attention is paid to formal and
performative qualities. The waye in Which worker poetry has been
utilised by both poets and audience as a powerful intellectual
resource are debated. Finally, the implications of publishing
worker poetry via the media of print, audio-cassettes and
video-Cassettes are discussed.
Description
A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Arts, University of the
Witwatersrand, Johannesburg in fulfilment of the requirements for
the degree of Master of Arts
Keywords
South African poetry (English) -- Black authors., Working class writings, South African., Protest poetry, South African (English) -- South Africa -- Durban.