Blog
Commemoration of World Aids Day
December 01, 2011
Today we recognise those who have passed from AIDS, we recognize the road they travelled and the gifts they had to offer us.
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Statement on the “Secrecy Bill”
November 23, 2011
The official statement on the Secrecy Bill by the University of the Witwatersrand.
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Zakheni Arts Therapy Foundation looking for Drama Practitioners
November 9, 2011
Opportunity for Employment for Drama Practitioners: Zakheni Dramatherapy Schools Project
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Tribute to the Mother of Drama in Education
October 19, 2011
Drama for Life would like to acknowledge and celebrate Dorothy Heathcote for having pioneered the field of Drama in Education. The teacher and highly respected academic had a remarkable life and career.
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John Kanis speech at Sex Actually
October 11, 2011
Our patron John Kani spoke at our SEX ACTUALLY Closing Event on September 9, 2011. We would like to say “thank you” for an inspiring, moving and honest speech and like to share his words. Here is what he said.
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A collaboration to look forward to: DFL-scholar Théogène and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal
DFL-scholar and peace activist Théogène Niwenshuti from Rwanda and South Sudanese musician and former child soldier Emmanuel Jal got to know each other at Goethe-Institut Über(W)unden and are planning to work together in the future … Read More
DFL at ÜBER(W)UNDEN - ART IN TROUBLED TIMES at Goethe Institut
September 7 - September 11, 2011
From 7th to 11th of September 2011, the Goethe-Institut South Africa focuses on narratives and artistic approaches to trauma: in literature as well as the visual arts, in dance, theatre, music and film. ÜBER(W)UNDEN
ART IN TROUBLED TIMES presents performances by DFL Director Warren Nebe and DFL scholar Theogene Niwenshuti.
Dali Tambo’s speech at the Drama for Life Fundraiser Event 2011
August 16, 2011 Dali Tambo, the Advisory Board Chair of Drama for Life, gave an inspiring speech at our Fundraiser Event July 28, 2011. Here is what he said. The Drama for Life family says THANK YOU! … Read More
Sign Now!
June 09, 2011 Right now a Parliamentary Committee is steamrolling through an unconstitutional secrecy bill that could take South Africa back to the dark days of impunity—allowing government institutions to operate without public scrutiny, and stopping the media from exposing corruption, and abuse of power.
But public pressure is pushing back! Last week, after hundreds of media outlets and civic organisations had submitted amendments to Parliament, COSATU, Fedusa and the former Minister for Intelligence Services, Ronnie Kasrils condemned the bill, and on Friday ruling party MPs were forced to prolong the Parliamentary debate. But security sector interests are at stake, and to ensure this current bill is stopped will require an avalanche of public opposition.
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Things Unspeakable: Theatre after 1945
June 08, 2011
“Things Unspeakable: Theatre after 1945” is an international, interdisciplinary conference on theatre and human rights of the University of York, UK which will take place from October 07 until October 08, 2011. … Read More
New cellphone technology to promote safe sex for men who have sex with men
May 24, 2011 Health4Men, a project of the Anova Health Institute launches a new cellphone-based HIV information service for men who have sex with men today (Friday, 20 May 2011).
Health4Men Connect is a mobi site that provides sexual health information to MSM (men who have sex with men, irrespective of their sexual identity) and, importantly, will allow people to post questions directly to a team of experts on MSM sexual health. … Read More
Wits Africa Day
May 24, 2011 The Faculty of Humanities invites you to WITS University’s first celebration of Africa Day. When: May 25, 2011 from 12:45pm until 09:30pm. Where: Graduation Studies Seminar Room, Southwest Engineering Building. … Read More
Wits Africa Day
May 24, 2011 The Faculty of Humanities invites you to WITS University’s first celebration of Africa Day. When: May 25, 2011 from 12:45pm until 09:30pm. Where: Graduation Studies Seminar Room, Southwest Engineering Building. … Read More
HIV Candle Light Memorial
May 13, 2011 The Wits HIV Candle Light Memorial will be held on 27th May at the Senate House concourse from 10:00 – 14:00.
It seeks to raise awareness of and lend support to an international campaign which highlights the human impact of HIV. As in the past, the event will be marked by the lighting of candles, symbolizing, the eternal hope of the human spirit, under the banner of “keep the Flame Burning”. It requires you to take a few minutes during this time to pass through Senate House and add your light to the candle display. Please support this initiative and encourage others to do the same.
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HIV Candle Light Memorial
May 13, 2011 The Wits HIV Candle Light Memorial will be held on 27th May at the Senate House concourse from 10:00 – 14:00.
It seeks to raise awareness of and lend support to an international campaign which highlights the human impact of HIV. As in the past, the event will be marked by the lighting of candles, symbolizing, the eternal hope of the human spirit, under the banner of “keep the Flame Burning”. It requires you to take a few minutes during this time to pass through Senate House and add your light to the candle display. Please support this initiative and encourage others to do the same.
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BREAKING Uganda Decision Friday
May 13, 2011 All Out is bringing people together in every corner of the planet and of every identity - lesbian, gay, straight, transgender and all that’s between and beyond - to build a world in which everyone can live freely and be embraced for who they are:
Uganda’s parliament just announced that they are extending the Spring session for one extra day—an extraordinary move showing the parliament’s commitment to pushing this death penalty law through by whatever means necessary.
Harare Files
May 06, 2011 A Salutation to the People of Harare
Performance
5th May to 7th May 2011, 06.30pm
GoetheonMain
Harare Files takes seven true stories, of seven ordinary people, caught up in extraordinary events: hyperinflation, hunger, migration, violence and collapse.The subject is serious, but the show is not. It is about how ordinary people survived extraordinary events; it is a story of victory, and of personal achievement, not of defeat. Sometimes the biggest victory is being able to say: I survived it. I’m still here.The Harare Files salutes the people of Harare. They’re still standing.
Performed by Tonderai Munyebvu and directed by Sarah Norman.
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Harare Files
May 06, 2011 A Salutation to the People of Harare
Performance
5th May to 7th May 2011, 06.30pm
GoetheonMain
Harare Files takes seven true stories, of seven ordinary people, caught up in extraordinary events: hyperinflation, hunger, migration, violence and collapse.The subject is serious, but the show is not. It is about how ordinary people survived extraordinary events; it is a story of victory, and of personal achievement, not of defeat. Sometimes the biggest victory is being able to say: I survived it. I’m still here.The Harare Files salutes the people of Harare. They’re still standing.
Performed by Tonderai Munyebvu and directed by Sarah Norman.
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Citizen: CitiVibe Article about DFL
April 14, 2011 Citizen: CitiVibe Article about DFL
“The Citizen” writes an interesting article about Drama For Life talking about its path since 2008 and underlining its various advantages and diversity. … Read More
DFL 2011 launched with song, word and dance
April 4, 2011 DFL 2011 launched with song, word and dance
Vivienne Rowland writes an exciting article about the DFL Launch 2011, for the Wits website, where DFL introduced its great programme for the following year. … Read More
A Season for Nonviolence Day 64
April 4, 2011 Day 64 – CELEBRATION (Apr. 3)
Today, rejoice in the work that you have done. Celebrate the journey that you have made with countless others who believe that every individual can move the world in the direction of peace with their nonviolent choice and action.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 61
March 31, 2011 Day 61 – PEACE (Mar. 31)
Thich Nhat Hanh wrote, “Practice watering seeds of joy and peace and not just seeds of anger and violence, and the elements of war in all of us will be transformed.” Today, make a choice to meet each experience with an intention for peace.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 60
March 30, 2011 Day 60 – WITNESSING (Mar. 30)
“We are each other’s bond,” writes poet Gwendolyn Brooks. Those who practice nonviolence cannot close their eyes to injustice or cruelty. We are here to be a witness for justice and compassion. Today, be willing to stand up for Truth by your presence, your words and actions.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 58
March 25, 2011 Day 58 – CITIZENSHIP (Mar. 28)
Robert Muller, former assistant secretary general to the UN, urges, “use every letter you write, every conversation you have, every meeting you attend, to express your most important beliefs and dreams.” Today call or write one of your legislators and register your views.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 55
March 25, 2011 Day 55 – RESPONSIBILITY (Mar. 25)
The quality of your community starts with you. Take responsibility for the quality of your community wherever you are. Today, pick up trash that is not your own, whether at home, at the office or on the street. Every little bit helps.
A Season for Nonviolence Day 53
March 23, 2011 Day 53 – ACTION (Mar. 23)
“Each of us can work to change a small portion of events and in the total of all those acts will be written the history of this generation,” said Robert Kennedy. Today, find a way to make one, small change that will contribute to the well-being of your home, school, workplace or community.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 48
March 18, 2011 Day 48 – ECOLOGY (Mar. 18)
Relationships based on nonviolence are built on the ability to see and understand another human being, whether or not we agree. Seeing people from our common ground gives us practice for bringing nonviolent actions, choices and behaviors into our communal life.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 47
March 17, 2011 Day 47 – DISARMAMENT (Mar. 17)
Have a conversation with someone today about what the world would be like if there were no weapons nor any need for them. Imagine such a world.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 33
March 3, 2011 Day 33 ACKNOWLEDGMENT (Mar. 3)
Tell someone today what a difference he or she has made in your life. Acknowledge that person for being there for you. Make this a day when you don’t take people for granted.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 32
March 2, 2011 Day 32
According to Cesar Chavez, “Nonviolence is not inaction…It is hard work…It is the patience to win.” When your plans seem delayed, choose to be patient by identifying at least three ways that you can constructively use this time to support your goal.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 30
February 28, 2011 Day 30
Make amends today. Apologize to someone you may have hurt and mean your apology sincerely.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 27
February 25, 2011 Day 27 – GENEROSITY (Feb. 25)
Mother Theresa said, “There is a hidden poverty more pervasive than lack of money. It is the poverty of the heart.” Find three ways to generously give of your time, attention and resources to others.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 24
February 22, 2011 Day 24 – HARMONY (Feb. 22)
Choosing not to engage in any form of gossip today contributes to harmony and peace in relationships. Today, choose to see the good in others rather than finding fault.
A Season for Nonviolence Day 24
February 22, 2011 Day 24 – HARMONY (Feb. 22)
Choosing not to engage in any form of gossip today contributes to harmony and peace in relationships. Today, choose to see the good in others rather than finding fault.
A Season for Nonviolence Day 23
February 21, 2011 Day 23 – PRAYER (Feb. 21)
“Prayer from the heart can achieve what nothing else in the world can.” said Gandhi. Begin and end the day with a prayer for peace. Let peace begin with you.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 20
February 18, 2011 Day 20 – SELF-FORGIVENESS (Feb. 18)
When you judge yourself, you tend to believe that who you are is what you have or don’t have. Knowing that who you are is greater than all these things, today, forgive yourself for forgetting the good that is in you.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 13
February 11, 2011 Day 13 – CREATIVITY (Feb. 11)
The worst thing you can do to a human soul is to suppress its natural desire to create. Identify at least five ways in which you express your creativity everyday. Today, allow something unpredictable and joyous to express through you.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 11
February 9, 2011 Day 11 – CONTEMPLATION (Feb. 9)
For at least three minutes, relax, breathe, and let your mind be fed by “whatsoever is good and beautiful and just.” Sacred scripture states, “as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.”
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 9
February 7, 2011 Day 9 – DREAMING (Feb. 7)
Martin Luther King, Jr. had a great dream. What is your dream for peace? Write it down. What is one thing you can do to honor your dreams? Do it today.
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A Season for Nonviolence Day 5
February 3, 2011 Day 5 – BELIEVING
Author Wayne Dyer writes about the impact that our beliefs have on our daily lives. Today, believe that you have all the resources to move your life in the direction of peace. Be aware of simple demonstrations of peaceful responses you receive.
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A Season For Nonviolence Day 4
February 2, 2011 Day 4 – CARING (Feb. 2)
According to Peter McWilliams, “Nonviolence toward the self is caring for oneself. It is what the Greeks call reverence for the self.” Real caring is not just what we say, but what we do. Make a list of at least five ways that you can take better care of yourself. Practice at least one today.
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A Season For Nonviolence
January 31, 2011 A Season for Nonviolence is a national 64-day educational, media, and grassroots campaign dedicated to demonstrating that nonviolence is a powerful way to heal, transform, and empower our lives and our communities. Inspired by the 50th and 30th memorial anniversaries of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., this international event honors their vision for an empowered, nonviolent world. … Read More
“Let Gratitude Rain” - DFL Scholars thank their sponsours, partners and helpers with a poem
December, 10, 2010 - Drama for Life scholar Benne Erasto Banda thanks the generous DFL sponsors, partners and helpers such as the Goethe Institut, GTZ, DED, UCLA, PEPFAR, Art/Global Health Centre, Make Art/Stop Aids, The Wits School Of Arts, Wits Transformation Office, SLDU, CCDU, UCT- Drama Dept, University of KZN, Durban University Of Technology - Drama Dept., National Research Foundation, PANSA, Phakama, BASA, in the name of the the DFL scholars 2010 with a creative poem.
Who knows what these innovative scholars will be doing in the future. We are grateful to have such ingenious students and are hoping for minds as bright and inventive as these in the future. … Read More
Another Drama For Life scholar gets important university lectureship
November, 12, 2010 – For Gift Marovatsanga, his academic and artistic journey has been nothing but interesting and his recent appointment to be a Drama Lecturer at University of Zululand has been a great opportunity to be at a place that will challenge him on all levels but also a place where he will get to teach the ‘applied’ in Applied Drama. Marovatsanga was interviewed by Tonderai Chiyindiko, M.A Drama for Life Scholar, 2010 … Read More
Look at our new Drama For Life “Sex Actually” pictures!
We have new Drama For Life Festival pictures online! Go look at them under our Gallery!
Interns thank Drama for Life the creative way
September 3, 2010 - Interns Eliana Schueler and Insa Kuschnerus thank Drama for Life for an enriching experience by combining their creativity in a poem and painting.
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Curtain comes down on ‘Sex Actually’ but ‘We are still here’…
August 31, 2010 – Peter Hayes’ play I am here was a powerful example of how theatre can reach out and explore serious issues in an engaging and thought-provoking way.
Using a journey motif that depicted a pilgrimage, I am here was a reaffirmation and reassertion of humanity. … Read More
DFL Festival ‘Sex Actually’ dance menu is entertaining and engaging
August 25, 2010 – With so many fabulous dance items on at the Drama for Life Festival it’s difficult to choose which one/s to attend. Here are reviews of two of our favourites.
“Sex Actually”gets off to a spectacular start
August 23, 2010 – It was a night of the stars – and lots of sex, too – as the loud, vivacious and utterly sexy “sex symbol” drag queen, Miss Diversity, wowed the crowd that braved the slight Joburg chill to attend the official opening of the 2010 Drama For Life Festival. … Read More
Calm before the 2010 DFL Festival’s ‘A lover + Another’ poetry storm…
August 20, 2010 – I paid a visit to some of the finalists of the DFL ‘A lover + Another’ Johannesburg Competition as they were going through their paces of rhymes and verses and getting their pictures taken (I think it’s contagious, am also becoming somewhat poetic here). … Read More
“Sex (is) Actually” upon us
August 19, 2010 – We are just a few days away from the 2010 Drama for Life Festival and Conference. Excitement and expectation is growing and on Friday, August 20, it explodes on the Library Lawns at lunch, with the official 2010 DFL Festival “Sex Actually” launch, “Sex on the Lawns”. … Read More
2010 DFL Festival’s “A Lover and Another” Poetry Slam hots up!
August 10, 2010 – This year’s Drama for Life Festival will include an exciting and educational poetry slam, in among the many arts and cultural activities that are lined up. … Read More
Sex Actually – What students think about the DFL Festival theme
August 5, 2010 – Drama for Life scholar Tonderai Chiyindiko shares his excitement about the Drama For Life Festival in a series of blogs. His first article explores what students think of this years` theme ‘Sex Actually’.
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The X-Homes experience through the senses of a DFL student
July 28, 2010 - Drama for Life scholar Tonderai Chiyindiko tells us how he experienced X-Homes Johannesburg. … Read More
DFL scholars get involved in human rights campaign for 2010
June 30, 2010- Drama for Life scholar Tonderai Chiyindiko tells us about participating in an important human rights campaign for 2010. … Read More
WALE at Wits
June 7, 2010 - German Drama for Life (DFL) intern Eliana Schueler tells us about her time at the Wits Arts and Literature Experience (WALE). … Read More
Weil jeder das Recht hat gehoert zu werden
May 15, 2010 - German DFL intern Insa Kuschnerus tells us about her personal experience with Playback Theatre. … Read More
Through Positive Eyes in South Africa
May 14, 2010 Bobby Gordon, Director of Special Programs Art | Global Health Center at UCLA tells us about his experience with Through Positive Eyes in South Africa. … Read More
Former scholar tells us about his work after Drama for Life
May 10, 2010 – 2008 DFL scholar Antonio Sarmento Manuel tells us about his work after Drama For Life in Portuguese… … Read More
In my culture …
April 1, 2010 – Sawubona, Dumelang, Mhoro, Guten Tag! My name is Insa, or Insalethu, and since August 2009 I have been a proud member of the DFL family. I come from Berlin, Germany, and I am doing voluntary work through DED (German Development Service) at Wits.
So far my time here has been enriching in many ways. By working together with people from various different backgrounds I have been able to learn a lot. … Read More
DFL Freshman at Wits - Recollection
March 11, 2010 I arrived at Wits on February 4, 2010, which was about 15 days later than I should have. I had missed the orientation and international students’ tour of Johannesburg’s historical sites. I had missed four days of class too. … Read More
Dramatic Entrance
Two weeks into my arrival in the city of Johannesburg, into the diverse Drama for Life (DFL) programme at the University of Witwatersrand, I found myself rehearsing for the Trial of the Senior Citizen, a play which changed my life, and brought taboo issues to the discussion table and got the audience talking! … Read More
Our Journey to Grahamstown
It all started as a joke. The idea of doing Woza Joshua was first muttered in Zimbabwe sometime in December last year. I was leaving my country to come to the University of Witwatersrand to complete my Masters degree under Drama for Life and so I wanted to do it as a goodbye performance for my fans in my country. … Read More
Taking the lead into this semester
August 11, 2009 – Wow! Another semester just flew by and here I am once again with essays, assignments and projects staring me in the face.
Briefly recapping on the past semester, it has been both exciting and challenging especially with the community work we did.
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My first steps with Drama for Life
March 16, 2009 – Six months ago to the day I discovered the opportunity in myself to change. On the first of September 2008, Spring day as well as the beginning of the Jewish month Elul, I pushed myself into the processes of healing out of a depression. With my background in Performance and Psychology I knew that change had to come from me in an expressive way. So I went online to look for performance opportunities. … Read More