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

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.