Department of Drama

Permanent URI for this community

https://scholar.sun.ac.za/handle/10019.1/43

Browse

Browsing Department of Drama by Author "Brand, Amelda"

Now showing 1 - 1 of 1
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item
    Gemeenskapsgebaseerde teater : 'n Suid-Afrikaans georienteerde ondersoek
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Brand, Amelda; Kruger, M. S.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. Dept. of Drama.
    ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Creative expression is influenced by social structures and the political climate of the day. Therefore theatre as a social structure has been directly influenced by colonialism and apartheid. Restricting legislation had a limiting influence on cultural activities and freedom of creative expression. The following terms all refer to community based theatre activities: Community Theatre, Popular Theatre, Theatre for Development, People's Theatre and sometimes Workshop Theatre. Community theatre in post-colonial African countries take place in locations easily accessible to the communities it serves. These activities make use of creative techniques that the target communities can identify with. The subject-matter is generally relevant and is therefore accessible. The conscientisation- and mobilisation-potential of community theatre become evident in post-colonial African countries. The uses of this term in South Africa is closely connected with the above, but the applications in practice are more diverse because of a longer period of Western influence. Popular Theatre encapsulates theatre activities focussing on mass-appeal and popular entertainment as well as theatre activities by and for marginalised communities. "Popular Theatre" activities that take place within marginalised communities make use of collective creative approaches that are aimed at community conscientisation and mobilisation. Like Community Theate and Popular Theatre, Theatre for Development is theatre for, by and of the people (marginalised people, ordinary workers and the unemployed). Certain Theatre for Development projects approach the target communities with pre-planned agendas and creative subject-matter. Theatre for Development, like other community based theatre forms, are aimed at conscientisation, mobilisation and organisation to encourage political liberation and promote a higher standard ofliving. Workshop Theatre encourages people to express themselves by using a democratic and collective creative approach. These characteristics are also present in the previously mentioned theatre forms. Community Theatre, Popular Theatre and Theatre for Development can all be categorised as community based theatre and the terms are interchangable in pracitce.