African Regional Workshop on Participatory Research, Mzumbe, 2nd - 7th July 1979: Report of groups 3 and 4 on their discussion on the case studies on popular theatre in botswana and that by swartz on the coastal region of Tanzania
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Date
1979-07-07
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African Regional Workshop on Participatory Research
Abstract
This report provides a summary of discussions held by Groups 3 and 4 during the African Regional Workshop on Participatory Research in Mzumbe, 1979. The groups examined two case studies: popular theatre in Botswana and a study by Swartz on the coastal region of Tanzania. The discussion primarily focused on Botswana, noting the efficacy of extension services given the country's small population and accessibility. Key themes explored include the role of popular theatre in liberation, challenges posed by government bureaucracy, and the missed opportunity to ground theatre in local cultural expressions to demystify social and political issues. The report emphasizes the importance of aligning theatre programs with the socio-cultural context of communities to enhance their relevance and impact.
Description
The report highlights the group's critical view on popular theatre as a government project, constrained by bureaucracy and lacking genuine commitment to challenging exploitative relationships. The participants discuss how the use of local art forms could strengthen theatre’s role in addressing issues like imperialism and bureaucratic oppression. Examples from Tanzania illustrate how cultural forms, like poetry, are effectively used to reflect societal concerns. The group concludes that demystifying theatre requires engaging communities at their social, cultural, and political levels.
Keywords
Participatory Research, Popular Theatre, Botswana, Tanzania, Liberation, Bureaucracy, Cultural Expression, Mystification, Social Change, Imperialism, Community Development
Citation
Massavwe. (1979). African Regional Workshop on Participatory Research, Mzumbe, 2nd - 7th July 1979: Report of Groups 3 and 4 on the Discussion of Case Studies on Popular Theatre in Botswana and Tanzania.