The dramaturgy of Kalongolongo: A genre by children

Abstract

Several approaches to the classifications of theatrical genres are modeled on Western theoretical perspectives, literary analyses and adult viewpoints with less regard for performance dynamics within children’s specific cultural contexts. This paper is part of a wider study whose main objective is to establish the place of indigenous theatre in early childhood development (ECD) by analyzing theatrical genres at the disposal of children and caregivers from 33 sampled ECD centres in Ugenya District, Kenya. The study engaged the critical lenses of postcolonial theory to interrogate the homogeneity in the traditional classification of genres to conform only to Western literary discourses and adult perceptions with a view to foreground the authenticity in the classification of genres according to children’s ways of knowing and doing. It is evident in this study that Kalongolongo exists both as a genre and a performance space that plays host to a whole range of performance aesthetics. Therefore, this paper analyzes the place of Kalongolongo, an indigenous theatrical genre based on children’s theatrical performances, to demonstrate the significance of strengthening local classifications in research, policy and practice.