ISSN: 1570-0178 Volume 3, Issue 1 (9 July 2001) Le pouvoir se mange entier Power is eaten whole A play by the "Troupe Théâtrale Mufwankolo" of Lubumbashi   Introduction Members of the Troupe Théâtrale Mufwankolo Cast of Le pouvoir se mange entier   Scene 1 - The law of the land Scene 2 - Trouble brewing Scene 3 - The case of the thief Scene 4 - The hunter's visit Scene 5 - The case of adultery Scene 6 - Revolt in the fields Scene 7 - The chief takes control - Order reestablished

Introduction

Transcribed and translated recordings of the rehearsals and the video-taped performance of this play were first published in:

Johannes Fabian. (1990). Power and performance. Ethnographic explorations through proverbial wisdom and theater in Shaba (Zaire). Madison, Wis.: University of Wisconsin Press.

After the book sold out, the publisher decided not to keep it in print. But in Spring 2001 the contract was renewed and Power and performance will become available again, either in a reprint or in an electronic edition. Meanwhile, the complete transcripts and translations are deposited in Archives of Popular Swahili, coutesy of The University of Wisconsin Press. The recordings were made in June 1986 at the Cercle Makutano in Lubumbashi and at Kawama, a nearby village where the final performance was taped. Johannes Fabian transcribed and translated them; the late Kalundi Mango gave valuable assistance when the manuscript of the book was prepared. Readers who want to know more about the saying "Le pouvoir se mange entier," about Mufwankolo and his troupe, the history of popular theater in Shaba/Katanga, and the circumstances under which the play was produced should consult Power and Performance. The texts are reproduced here as they appeared in chapters 7-12 of the book (including most of the notes to the transcriptions and translations). As always, LPCA welcomes comments and questions.

Click the thumbnails below to view full size images in a separate window

Kawama village near Lubumbashi - The TV-crew sets up equipment

Two Kawama youth posing before the taping	Troupe Théâtrale Mufwankolo at Kawama, before the performance

Members of the Troupe Théâtrale Mufwankolo

Cast of Le pouvoir se mange entier

[Scene 1 - The law of the land]

[Scene 2 - Trouble brewing]

[Scene 3 - The case of the thief]

[Scene 4 - The hunter's visit]

[Scene 5 - The case of adultery]

[Scene 6 - Revolt in the fields]

[Scene 7 - The chief takes control - Order reestablished]

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