Exploring Cultural diversity in Casting in the South African Film and Television Industry: A Practice as Research Study.

Abstract

This Practice-as-Research (PaR) study investigates the role of diverse casting in promoting cultural diversity within the South African film and television industry. It examines the visibility and authenticity of representation in casting practices, exploring how PaR can be used to interrogate and address systemic barriers to inclusivity. The research also considers the nuanced ways in which cultural diversity can be embedded into casting processes beyond surface-level representation. Grounded in cultural diversity scholarship and Stuart Hall’s Representation and Reception Theories, the study employed a practice-based approach centred on Process Drama workshops at Actor Spaces, a creative hub located in 44 Stanley Avenue. These workshops brought together actors, casting directors, and creative practitioners to engage in embodied, collaborative explorations of casting decisions. This methodology enabled the generation of qualitative insights into how identity, power, and industry norms intersect in the casting process. Findings reveal that while diversity is increasingly acknowledged as an industry priority, entrenched biases, commercial imperatives, and the absence of comprehensive casting policies continue to limit authentic representation. The workshops demonstrated that applied drama techniques can disrupt conventional casting norms, challenge stereotypes, and create opportunities for marginalized voices to be heard. The study concludes that casting is not merely a logistical step in production but a powerful cultural act that shapes narratives and influences societal perceptions of identity. It recommends embedding intersectional, culturally nuanced approaches into casting practice, supported by policy reform, targeted training, and cross-industry collaboration. By doing so, the South African film and television industry can move towards more authentic, equitable, and representative storytelling.