Literature as an Adaptable Source: The Case of Etv
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Date
1999-05
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Nowadays, adaptation or dramatization o f pro se fiction s or poems into the medium
of film/ TV is a major screen practice around the world . One of th e advantages of
a daptations, apart from recreating fresh experience for those who ha ve read the
ori g inal literary works, is a lso to give a chance for those illiterate sections of the
society to ex perience the literary works of notabl e writers. Ethi opia seems not to
have benefited much from these reciprocal convergence among the arts which is
found to be valuabl e for the enrichment of the literary practice in the society. There
seems also little awareness among the concerned bodies about la yin g the gro und for
such a prac tice to grow.
The purpose of the stud y clearly stated in this thesis , therefore, was to examine
closely the th eory and practice of screen adaptation and to render a vivid picture of
the role it ha s so far pl ayed and may ye t have to play in ETV Amharic drama
productions. Keeping in mind the unique nature of each medium, the study
specifically looked into (a) how the texts in focus enunciated th eir story w ithin the
conventions of th eir ge nres and (b) determines as to the type of adaptation rendered
based on the fundam enta l theorie s and approaches to the screenin g. of prose
narratives. In order to find the outcome of the television adaptations from prose fi ctions,
thestudy first analyzed the two prose natTatives, Agatami and Amist Sidist Sebat
based on their from and narrative techniques. During the viewing of the screen
adaptation every alterations, deletions, and additions of characters, events, and
dialogue were noted. Then, based on the critical analysis of the texts and the
detailed observation of the adapted TV drama, a close comparative examination was
made. The two directors involved in the process of the production were approached
to find their views and opinions as well as their experiences.
The result of the study indicate that the two screen adaptations lack, though in
varying degrees, clear understanding of their source text as well as proper
manipulations of the resources of the screen. The problem partly points to the
absence of proper training in the area of literature vis-a-vis screen on the part of the
adapters, and partly relates to the disorganized and inefficient working conditions of
the ETV, a complaint made by the directors.
The study also forwarded some suggestions on the basis of the results of the
research. It was proposed that those departments concerned with the teaching of
literature and theater arts should design a more appropriate course in literature
versus screen adaptation. It was also noted that the recent attempt to open up extra
TV channels would also pave the way for more efficient screen adaptations to come.
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Literature as an Adaptable Source