Dramatic Devices

Question 1

What does the clown nose symbolise?

Answer 1

• the buffoonery, absurdity, and cowardice of the apartheid regime

Question 2

Why does the play make use of satire and humour?

Answer 2

• as a way of balancing sharp political commentary

Question 3

What is the effect of having the principal characters perform a multitude of roles under their real names?

Answer 3

• gives the play a reality check
• reminds audiences that these actor-playwrights have first-hand knowledge of the absurdity that they dramatise

Question 4

What do the performers make use of and what effect does this have?

Answer 4

• make use of mime, dance, music, song and impressive athleticism
• sustains the energy of this 90-minute, no-intermission play

Question 5

What grounds much of Morena’s action throughout the play?

Answer 5

• biblical symbolism

Question 6

What is an example of biblical symbolism in the play in terms of miracles?

Answer 6

• Morena is asked to perform miracles comparable to those of Jesus
• and with which audiences are likely to be familiar

Question 7

What is an example of biblical symbolism in the play in terms of archetypal figures?

Answer 7

• there is an archetypal Judas figure whose dramatic betrayal is identical to the biblical betrayal
• except for the fact that Morena confronts his Judas face-to-face

Question 8

What is an example of biblical symbolism in the play in terms of an instance of Jesus’ hunger and thirst?

Answer 8

• there is an instance when Morena is hungry and thirsty but is offered salt and vinegar potato chips
• this is similar to Jesus being given vinegar, instead of water, when he requested a drink at his crucifixion

Question 9

What dramatic convention is used in the play in terms of monologues?

Answer 9

• the characters’ use of monologue to convey the words and actions of Morena during most of the play

Question 10

What does the strategy of using monologue to represent Morena’s words and actions imply?

Answer 10

• implies that the action involves three characters, rather than the two men that audiences actually see

Question 11

What does the strategy of using monologue to permit virtual conversation between an invisible character also used to do?

Answer 11

• also used to present an invisible interviewer
• who canvasses South Africans about the blessings and miracles they seek from the Saviour