BOFELO MILLEN MOTSUMI

STUDENT NO: 201801078

BFA 427
ASSIGNMENT 1

Q2. Fully explain the Theatre for Development (TfD) technique as an instrument of
conscientization and empowerment.

Theatre for Development (TfD) is a method of theatre that uses indigenous forms of theatre
such as music and dance to conscientize marginalized minority communities about issues that
affect their livelihood. This technique deals with minority communities such as people living
with albinism or vitiligo. Its aim is to raise awareness about issues that directly affect these
groups of people. TfD tackles social Issues like discrimination, lack of medical aid and even lack
of knowledge in the society about these health conditions. It is through this technique that
these marginalized communities can be empowered to change their lives for the better.
TfD is rooted in the concept of conscientization, which was developed by Brazilian educator and
philosopher Paulo Freire. “Conscientization refers to the process of critical consciousness-
raising” (Boal 1979). This is when communities become aware of their issues or systems that
are continually oppressing them. Through TfD, marginalized communities are given a platform
to explore the issues they face daily. They are given a chance to openly discuss with each other
their challenges and to come up with suggestion on how to solve these problems. In 1974, a
Theatre for Development project was undertaken in Botswana to educate the people in the
Bokalaka region about government programs that are designed to improve their lives (Zakes
Mda 1993). The project was the first of its kind in Botswana but it was very successful. The
people in that region were illiterate and did not understand most of the government programs.
Through TfD, they were able to be educated in their language and conscientized to accept the
government programs that would later improve their lives (Zakes Mda 1993).
In order for empowerment to happen there has to be Participation, which is an essential
element in theatre for development. TfD is a participatory approach that utilizes theatre
techniques to engage marginalized communities in dialogue, reflection, and action. For there to
be a full engagement of all the people involved in the project, the performance should be
simple and the message should be clear. For example, if the targeted minority community
approached is children under the age of 10 years living with HIV/AIDS, the performance would
include a lot of music, song and dance because children learn best that way. The message is
presented in the simplest way so that everyone may have a chance to share their views on the
issue and even suggest possible solutions. Participation in Theatre for development is a
conscious act, which means that there is meaning in the performance. The people are
consciously involved in the process and not the enjoyment of the performance.
One of the key principles of Theatre for Development is audience participation. It involves
community members as active participants rather than passive spectators. The audience is
encouraged to participate either during the performance or after. This approach recognizes
that individuals possess valuable knowledge and experiences that can contribute to the
development process. By involving community members in all stages of the theatrical
production, from scriptwriting to performance TfD ensures that everyone’s voice is heard and
that they all understand the problems that affect them. When the audience is actively
participating, they are no longer just spectators (Zakes Mda 1993). They are activated from
active participants into performers that are called spec-actors. The audience participating
means that they understand and are well equipped to take action towards a better future.
TfD also encourages dialogue and discussions within communities. Through interactive
performances, community members are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and
engage in critical discussions about the issues affecting them. This process allows for the
sharing of diverse viewpoints, fostering empathy, understanding, and collective problem-
solving. In the 1990’s, there was an HIV/AIDS pandemic that claimed the lives of many people in
Botswana. It was through the efforts of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO’s) that theatre
was used to reach the people and educate them on how the disease spreads which drastically
reduced the number of casualties. The communities mostly benefited from post-performance
discussions where they were able to reflect on their personal experiences. This helped reduce
stigmatization and even empower and encourage those infected and affected by the disease.
Furthermore, “TfD serves as a catalyst for social change by empowering marginalized
communities to take action” (Kerr 2013). This means that theater for development is used an
active tool for development and empowerment. The performances that done in TfD often
address specific social issues such as gender inequality, poverty, environmental degradation, or
human rights abuses. By bringing these issues to light through theatre, TfD creates a space for
the communities have dialogues about these issue and mobilizes communities towards
improving their lives. It is not Theatre for Development that changes the communities but its
aim is to aid communities towards change. It gives the people a platform where they can find
solutions to their own problems.
The transformative power of TfD lies in its ability to challenge existing system of power and
empower marginalized communities. The marginalized communities are oppressed by many
factors, for example, societal norms or ignorant governors. By providing a space the people to
express themselves and reflect on their problems, theatre for Development enables the
communities to gain skills. They develop critical thinking skills, which means they can question
oppressive systems, and come up with appropriate solutions. Through this process of
conscientization, marginalized communities can work together and actively participate in
shaping their own futures.
In summary, Theatre for Development is an instrument of conscientization and empowerment
for marginalized communities. By using theatre techniques, encouraging participation that
leads to discussions, and mobilizing communities towards action, TfD creates a space for critical
reflection and active empowerment. It enables marginalized communities to challenge
oppressive structures, envision alternative futures, and actively participate in the development
process.

REFERENCES:

1. Boal, A (1979). Theatre of the Oppressed. Toronto. Pluto Press.

2. Kerr, D (2013). Theatre for Development, Routledge, London and New York.
3. Mda, Z (1993). When people play people: Development Communication through
theatre. London. Zed Boks
4. "Theatre for Development: A Participatory Approach to Addressing Social Issues" by
John Martin.
. www.tfdinternational.org (official website of Theatre for Development International)