Chuo Kikuu Cha Kenyatta Idara Ya Kiswahili

Abstract

Novel and short story genres of written literature are created to be read, but not to be dramatized as is the case with the play. For a period of about fifteen years adapters have made effort to dramatize swahili prose texts. The dramatization of prose texts is made possible through transforming features of prose into features of drama. The purpose of this study was to evaluate adaptation of novels and short stories for secondary school students in Kenya. The study objectives were to explain the concept of adaptation, discuss history, stylistic devices and problems in adaptation. Further, the study was aimed at identifying the problems associated with adaptation and recommending possible ways of facing those challenges. The study has found out that novels and short stories use some dramatic features which make it possible to adapt them. The process of transforming prose structure into play has many challenges, which if not addressed appropriately can result in foiled adaptations. This research was guided by an eclectic approach where by it combined aspects of adaptation theory and performance theory. The foundations of adaptation theory which guided this research emphasized on faithful adherence to the original texts. These foundations were appropriate in analyzing the selected texts which were examinable in KCSE. The product was expected to demonstrate faithfulness to the original text. The foundations of performance theory were used to evaluate the appropriateness of stylistic devices used in transforming prose into drama. The research adopts both qualitative and quantitative methods in collection, analysis, and presentation of data. The study was carried out in two counties namely, Nairobi and Kitui, and involved four theatre groups. The groups adapted Utengano and Siku Njema novels and two anthologies of short stories, Mayai Waziri wa Maradhi na Hadithi Nyingine and Damu Nyeusi na Hadithi Nyingine. The research revealed that the main devices of style which were used to adapt the novels and short stories into dramatic pieces were intertextual in nature. Depending on how the adapters were adept at applying intertextuallity, they were less or more faithful to the original text. It further demonstrated that, novels and short stories possess features of drama contrary to views held by many scholars. That, contrary to adaptation critics‟ view that faithful adaptations are unattainable, the research has shown that faithful adaptations are indeed inevitable in some transformations. Through intertexuallity the thesis found out that texts and genres can cross their borderlines and still retain their original features.