Learning from the ancient wisdom of Africa: in the creation and distribution of messages

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Periodical article

Title:	Learning from the ancient wisdom of Africa: in the creation and distribution of messages
Author:	Mda, Zakes
Year:	1994
Periodical:	Current Writing: Text and Reception in Southern Africa
Volume:	6
Issue:	2
Pages:	139-150
Language:	English
Geographic term:	South Africa
Subjects:	development folk drama theatre
Abstract:	In this keynote address at the Conference of the Association of Drama Departments of South Africa, University of Natal, 13 July 1994, the author argues that sustainable development will only happen if people are full participants in their own development. She deals with the most effective medium for development communication: theatre. A methodology of theatre where both catalysts and audience members are involved in designing the whole programme, in naming their problems, in reflecting on why the problems exist, in proffering solutions, and in taking action towards the implementation of the resolutions, takes into consideration the experience of the marginalized and, by utilizing their own performance modes, it also takes into account their communication environment. To some extent the same theatre-for-development methodologies can be useful when theatre is used as an educational medium in schools. South Africa has a lot to learn from theatre practitioners throughout the continent of Africa. Yet South Africa's universities offer extensive courses on European theatre or even American theatre, and very little on African theatre, a situation the author deplores.