How did Angolan theatre artists use Portuguese and indigenous languages?
In the context of Angolan theatre, while Portuguese serves as the primary language for drama, artists have increasingly integrated indigenous languages alongside it.1
This practice reflects a broader effort within the arts to explore local and traditional themes, particularly following the establishment of the National Theatre and Dance School in 1976. By incorporating indigenous languages, theatre artists have been able to better draw upon traditional materials, folktales, and cultural histories, allowing their work to resonate more deeply with the local heritage of the country. This linguistic approach is part of a wider commitment by Angolan creators to celebrate the cultural strength of the past while engaging with the vital political and social issues of the modern world.1