Teaching Tsotsi
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Tsotsi is a 2005 South African film based on the novel of the same name. It was shot on location in South Africa using local actors and the Tsotsi-taal language. The film tells the story of Tsotsi, a young gangster in Johannesburg, and explores themes of violence, redemption, and what it means to be South African. By filming on location with local talent and languages, the film aimed to portray an authentic view of South Africa beyond stereotypes.
Teaching Tsotsi
- 2. Basic Information Based on a novel by Athol Fugard, Tsotsi is shot on location, in the language of the location, Tsotsi-taal, and stars mainly, unknown local actors. It is directed by Gavin Hood, whose acting roles include Anubis in Stargate SG1. It won the Oscar for Best Foreign film in 2005.
- 5. Stereotypes This is me! Build or draw a stereotype, could be you, could be a fictional character, it could an idea of Africa. Be prepared for controversy and some equality and diversity intervention!
- 6. Context
- 7. Apartheid Apart Hate
- 8. Iconic Photos This photo can lead to a general discussion of how photos can influence events. More information can be found in the accompanying notes or on the site listed here. But the story of Hector Pieterson sets the scene. http://www.southafrica.info/about/history/hector-pieterson.htm
- 9. Violence The violence fulfils the stereotype for anywhere. DVD: 2.57 to 5.20 But before the World Cup - all the talk was of this kind of crime.
- 10. Tsotsi - thug DVD: 1.10 - 1.44 Tsotsi as a typical teenager. The name means thug. He is a generic as well as an individual character. Tsotsi as a product of South Africa.
- 11. Protagonist Antagonist As an exercise get the students to watch the film and record when they like or dislike Tsotsi. Then get them to consider why.DVD: 40.00ff
- 12. The novel Read Chapter Seven and compare that with the scene in the film. It informs on the backstory of Tsotsi and give an incite into the process of adaptation for screen.
- 13. Theme D.E.C.E.N.C.Y This is Tsotsi’s choice. In this scene, the word is spelled out and English is used. Why does Fela reject it? What governs their controlling ideology? DVD 37.15- 39.40
- 14. Narrative Double narrative: the film juxtaposes flashback and linear narrative. Enigma: how is Tsotsi going to resolve his dilemma. Binary: Tsotsi is a conflicted character and he is pursued by a policeman who has a quest. The Helper: ultimately the helpers are his enemies, Boston is his conscience and, in the end, it is the father who helps him most. Redemption: Tsotsi is redeemed if not saved by what he does in the end.
- 15. Narrative In many African traditions the narrative of the body is as important as the idea of a linear story. Thus, Tsotsi stealing the baby is extremely significant in the context of the continuity of the narrative of the family. It is a different hegemony.
- 16. Connotations The last scene has a clear references to modern South Africa. All elements of its modern state and its history are there. The old white policeman, the new brutal black policeman, the young, coloured security guard. The new black middle class, separated by the gate that connotes the oldest division - class and money. The innocent victims and the ultimate victim - Tsotsi, in a white shirt.
- 17. Different endings The DVD offers three different endings. The one they chose, death and escape. This is a good basis for a discussion, or writing exercise. What would they do? What do they prefer? Which is the Hollywood ending?
- 18. Audience Different audiences respond in different ways. What different responses might there be to the film? What have they learnt from it?
- 19. Industry Location: in the townships of SoWeTo Language: Tsotsi-taal- a mix of English and local languages - requires subtitles. Light: film stock 35mm. Cast: local actors. Music: Zola local Kwaito star. All these decisions were made by Gavin Hood to add to the verisilimitude of the piece. All these decisions risked the film’s success in terms of Hollywood
- 20. Equality and Diversity Both as a book and a film, Tsotsi offers a view of the world that challenges preconceived ideas about South Africa as a country and Africa as a continent. The DVD extras include a documentary on two boys living in a township now and their daily routine.
- 21. X mind summary
- 22. Credits www.tsotsi.com www.morguefile.com www.classroomclipart.com www.xmind.org www.doppelme.com www.auteur.com www.judithgunn.com www.flickr.com The two pictures (Hector Pieterson and Child Soldiers are sourced from Wikipedia under conditions related to Public Domain. There is no intention to breach copyright. All other pictures are available under . If you liked this - you might like http://tinyurl.com/tsotsibook Studying Tsotsi: Judith Gunn