Analysis of Elements of Drama in Selected Performances Staged during Kenyatta University’s Culture Week Festival, 2013
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Date
2021
Authors
Muriuki, David O. G.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Culture Week at Kenyatta University is an annual festival that has been on the university’s
official calendar since 1992. It is a festival that is open to all genres: recognized, newly
created and pseudo. The number of entries it attracts is both vast and varied. The aim of
this study was to identify, analyse and describe the elements of drama in sampled cultural
activities and examine the impact of socio-cultural context and technological advances
on the selected performance items. The study applied Ethno poetics theory in textual
analysis to appraise both form and content of performance to the fullest extent possible.
Qualitative research design has been adopted, using single case study method. This
facilitated a holistic view of performance and isolated the embedded units for analysis.
Kenyatta University’s Culture Week attracts large and varied numbers of entries. The
study isolated and categorized performance items, namely drama, dance and poetry.
Categorization in drama was based on genre. For dance it was based on the dichotomy of
contemporary and traditional, and in poetry it was based on language. The purposive
sampling method was then used to sample from the three categories to isolate specific
items including drama, poetry and dance. Participatory observation during performances
provided primary data, with the festival records providing secondary data. Pictures,
videos, audio records and checklists were used as tools to capture data for the study. The
study found that the elements of drama such as plot, action, dialogue, symbolism, theme
and genre were used in the selected staged performances in KUCW Festival. It was also
found that both the literary and technical elements of drama came into play. The literary
elements of drama displayed in different performances during the KUCW include plot,
style, and exposition and costume while the technical elements of drama included:
scenery, costumes, props, sound and makeup. The materials used in the performance
portrayed different cultures. Costumes and composition of the actors were all informed
by different traditions. The study finally found that technological elements such as stage
craft, stage machinery, sound and new fabrics influence stage performances during the
KUCW. It recommends that in as much as technology is being adopted in the rendition
of the stage performances, caution needs to be taken to ensure that the original messages
are still passed. It further recommends that another study be done in other settings such
as the Bomas of Kenya to assess the current dynamics in stage performances.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Award of the Degree of Master of Arts (Theatre Arts) in the School of Creative and Performing Arts, Film and Media Studies of Kenyatta University, September 2021
Keywords
Analysis, Elements of Drama, Selected Performances Staged, Kenyatta University’s, Culture Week Festival, 2013