Theatre for Development

Written by a leading authority on the subject, this book provides students with an introduction to the theory and practice of Theatre for Development. Since the 1970s, TfD has established itself as a process through which communities can address issues within their own self-development through participation in theatre practice. From its beginnings in sub-Saharan Africa, the Indian sub-continent and Latin America, TfD has now spread across the globe as an effective development strategy.

The author examines TfD within the context of evolving development theories and practices, including participatory approaches that encourage individuals and communities to transform themselves from the objects into the subjects of their own development. The book is illustrated with case studies taken from around the world, and from many different development sectors, including health, literacy and voter education.

This book is recommended to academics and students in the fields of theatre and development, development planning, cultural practice, performance theory, theatre and politics.

Table of Contents

Boxes
Tables & Figures
Acronyms & Abbreviations
Acknowledgements

Forward - Tim Prentki

Introduction

PART I
Theatre for Development: History, Practice and Prospects
1: Contemporary History of TfD
2: The Context in which TfD has developed
3: Using TfD as a Process and as a Product
4: Conditions for the Application of TfD
5: Education and Training in TfD
6: Trends and Perspectives

PART II
Essays on Development, Education and the Arts
7. Development Support Modalities and Planning Processes
8. Assessing the Results of Development Activities
9. TfD and Development Support Communication
10. Non-formal Education
11. The Importance of Art Education
12. Conflicts and the Arts

Appendix 1. Videos on Theatre for Development
Appendix 2. Project Cycle Management and Research Instruments
Appendix 3. MA Courses in the UK
Appendix 4: Networking

Notes
Bibliography
Index

About the Author:

The late Dr Kees Epskamp was a senior staff member of the National UNESCO Commission, Netherlands. He also acted as consultant to the Utrecht School of the Arts (1994-2002) and external examiner for the Theatre for Development MA course at King Alfred's University College, UK (2000-2002).