The Drama for Life Africa Research Conference constitutes one of the foremost platforms for Applied Drama and Theatre research and practice on the African continent. In contrast to other conferences that are only open to academics, the Drama for Life Africa Research Conference supports the exchange of ideas amongst academics and practitioners. The conference will provide opportunities for Applied Drama, Drama in Education, Drama Therapy, Psychology, and Social Work scholars, researchers, practitioners, activists, Government and NGO trainers and community workers to engage in compelling and critical dialogue regarding their work. The DFL conference has grown in international stature since 2008 to create an inter-continental and international dialogue about the significant role applied drama and theatre can play in social regeneration.

The focus of the conference is to engage with the growing trends of global intolerance, conflict and violence with a view of forging innovative artistic interventions as a form of social activism. The conference will reflect on, and interrogate, the relationship between applied drama and the potential of the intersection of these fields of study in facing the challenge of trauma in post-conflict communities and social contexts. It will explore applied drama/theatre-based pedagogies as pedagogies that build critical reflective practice toward social change and social cohesion.

Papers and workshops on the following topics are invited:
In what ways has applied drama responded to conflict contexts?
How has applied drama reflected violence and trauma emanating from conflict?
How can applied drama be used as an effective pedagogy to address the inherent contributing factors toward conflict?
In what ways can applied drama be used as an effective conflict management strategy?
What role can indigenous cultural performances and rituals play in post-conflict contexts?
How can applied drama contribute toward notions of peace building and social transformation in post-conflict contexts?
In what ways can applied drama contribute toward the development of socially responsible artists?
All interested parties are invited to submit a proposal.

The deadline for proposals is 28 June.
Please visit our website www.dramaforlife.co.za/conferences to download the proposal form, fill in and email to Lonwabo.Mavuso@wits.ac.za.

For further information please contact Lonwabo Mavuso on 011 71 74 735.

For interview requests and press information, please contact Miriam Behrendt on Miriam.Behrendt@wits.ac.za or call 011 71 74 733.