Towards a poetics for theatre as activism within the context of human and people's rights in Southern Africa: an exploration of Speak Truth to Power and the march against xenophobia of 2008
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Date
2010-03-02T09:42:26Z
Authors
Meadows, Grace
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Abstract
Abstract
This research report attempts to investigate and articulate issues pertaining to Theatre as Activism
within the parameters of applied drama and theatre as experienced in Southern Africa. This analysis is
situated against the predominant use of Theatre for Development and opens out the possibilities for a
more inclusive approach to awareness building and activism through theatre. The particular focus of
this study lies within the perspective of Human and Peoples Rights , an area of important concern
globally but with particular resonances within a post-apartheid, decolonising South Africa.
Using the March against Xenophobia that took place in 2008 in Johannesburg as well as the play
Speak Truth to Power as illustrations, Towards a poetics uses these two case studies through
which to explore different aspects and implications for Theatre as Activism. These choices
are opposite as they provide very different but equally pertinent examples of the ways in
which performance can provide an ‘activating’ experience. Through these examples the paper
raises important questions in relation to ethical considerations accruing around the
performativity of activism. The case studies are then set against the very public awareness of
Human Rights created through the implementation of the Truth and Reconciliation
Commission in South Africa. The role of the modern media and technology in relation to
activism is also questioned as is the debate over the place of aesthetics within activism.
This reports advocacy for Theatre as Activism is set within debates of social constructionism most
particularly those of Foucault relating to the construction of power and those of William de Certeau
and Ngugi wa Thiongo on “scriptocentrism”, “orature”, and “intextuation.” In accordance with this
belief that action, as opposed to intellectual theorizing, is the way to truth and constructive
social change this research report is compliment to a broader creative project which comes in the
form of a short film. Done primarily to use “performance both as a way of knowing and as a way of
showing” (Kemp, 1998; 16)
Whilst used to allude to the famous poetics of Aristotle, Brecht and Boal, the theoretical perspectives
of these theatre analysts are also inscribed to examine issues of audience involvement and response
and debates around catharsis and activism. This paper concludes with a strong plea for the
development of Theatre as Activism through the identification of its essential elements.