Woza Albert!: structure

Overview of Structure

Woza Albert! is a two-act play with a unique nonlinear structure, as scenes do not follow a traditional chronological order. Instead, they are series of vignettes or episodes.

Episodic Structure

The play’s episodic structure involves 26 scenes, each depicting a different aspect of life under Apartheid.
Each episode shows a different scenario - from street life, to prison, to a construction site - displaying the harsh and oppressive life in South Africa during Apartheid.
Satirical sketches: These scenes feature two actors, Percy Mtwa and Mbongeni Ngema, who use physical theatre, mime, and storytelling to portray multiple characters.

Use of Flashbacks

Flashbacks are utilised to recount important events and critique the government policies of the time, helping to underline the political satire of the play.

Absurdist Influence

The Absurdist influence on the play’s structure is seen in its illogical sequencing and the use of repetition, highlighting the absurdity and injustices of Apartheid.
Unlike traditional narratives, the play doesn’t follow a logical progression of events, instead, it presents connected yet distinct scenes confronting the realities of apartheid.

Role of Chorus

The Chorus in Woza Albert! serves to provide transition between the scenes. It frames the scenes and augments their significance, also evoking Greek theatre.

In summary, the structure of Woza Albert! is unconventional and episodic, strongly influenced by Absurdist theatre. It uses techniques such as flashbacks and a chorus to present and critique the realities of Apartheid life.