News
Arts administration internship opportunity
January 26, 2012
Get the opportunity to do a three-month arts administration internship at the Arts & Culture Trust (ACT) !
HIV drama for life, not just December: Cultural leadership needed
January 24, 2012
In October 2011 Munyaradzi Chatikobo, who manages the DFL programme, attended a Cultural Leadership International Programme.
Last performance of “Stories for the future” today in Durban @COP 17!
December 9, 2011
Last performance of Drama for Life @COP 17 today 12h00 at the German stand in front of the CCR in Durban!
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Final call auditions for Pieter Dirk Uys new play “The Merry Wives of Zuma”
December 5, 2011
FINAL CALL: DFL Company Lab invites young graduate performers of all races to audition for:
Pieter- Dirk Uys
Acclaimed international writer, performer and theatre director
In his new play
THE Merry Wives of Zuma
… Read More
IDIERI 7 Call for submissions
November 22, 2011
IDIERI, the International Drama in Education Research Institute, is the pre-eminent drama education research conference, held triennially in centres of excellence for drama education throughout the world. IDIERI is accepting submissions for papers, workshops and presentations now.
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The 2011 Drama for Life Africa Research Conference
The 2011 Drama for Life Africa Research Conference – BUILDING A CRITICAL PEDAGOGY IN APPLIED DRAMA AND THEATRE HIGHER EDUCATION IN AFRICA
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DFL study programme application deadline extended for international students
November 9, 2011
The application deadline for the Drama for Life study programme has been extended to 30th November for international students
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Call for Proposals: 18th Annual Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed Conference
November 9, 2011
The 18th Annual Pedagogy and Theatre of the Oppressed Conference invites applied theatre practitioners and academics to submit proposals, Deadline: December 20, 2011
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Drama for Life staff member selected for Cultural Leadership programme in Turkey
October 18, 2011
Drama for Life proudly announces that DFL-programme manager Munyaradzi Chatikobo has been selected by the British Council to participate in the 2011 Cultural Leadership International programme at Biennale Istanbul.
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2012 Call for Applications Drama for Life UNDERGRADUATE and POSTGRADUATE ADMISSIONS and SCHOLARSHIPS
October 5, 2011
Apply now for the DFL study programme 2012!
… Read More
AUDITIONS for Pieter-Dirk Uys new play Merry Wives of Zuma!
September 29, 2011
You wanna take part in Pieter-Dirk Uys new play “Merry Wives of Zuma”? Come to the auditions on October 5th and 6th!
… Read More
Prof Wangari Maathai - DFL letter of condolence
September 27, 2011
Drama for Life wishes to express their deepest condolences to the family of Prof Wangari Maathai, her friends, colleagues and all brave women in Kenya and acknowledge the departure of Prof Wangari Maathai as a great loss for everyone who knew her and for all people in Kenya and around the world that became a witness of her great work.
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DEADLINE EXTENDED: 2011 Drama for Life Africa Research Conference
Building a Critical Pedagogy in Applied Drama and Theatre Higher Education in Africa
Drama for Life, at Wits School of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand will be hosting the fourth Africa Research Conference in Applied Drama and Theatre entitled:
Building a Critical Pedagogy in Applied Drama and Theatre Higher Education in Africa
from the 18th – 19th November 2011 at the Wits University Campus.
… Read More
Drama for Life SEX ACTUALLY Festival
Find out about the highlights and the programme of the 2011 DFL Sex Actually Festival!
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Deadline Extended: DFL Africa Research Conference Call for Proposals 2011
Deadline for proposals has been extended until 30th September!
The 2011 Drama for Life Africa Research Conference: BUILDING A CRITICAL PEDAGOGY IN APPLIED DRAMA AND THEATRE HIGHER EDUCATION IN AFRICA
DATE OF THE CONFERENCE: 18TH – 19TH NOVEMBER 2011
Wits University Professional Development Hub
Lover+Another Poetry Challenge Regional Finals
August 26 - August 31, 2011
Watch out poets! Here are the dates for the regional finals of the Lover + Another Poetry Challenge
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SA Season presents: A face like mine
August 23 - August 27, 2011
Deep, intimate, intense. Asanda Phewa performs A FACE LIKE MINE at Wits Theatre.
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Call for Proposals 2011 Africa Research Conference
August 17, 2011
Drama for Life will be hosting the annual Africa Research Conference in Applied Drama and Theatre from November 18 - November 19, 2011 at Wits University. We invite all Stakeholders to submit their proposals until September 9, 2011!
… Read More
DFL Company Laboratory SA Season presents: SALAAM and ITSOSENG
August 16 - August 20, 2011
DFL Company Laboratory SA Season “Exploring the Personal Archive: Diversity in Conversation” presents two stunning performances at Wits Theatre: SALAAM, written and performed by Ashraf Johaardien and directed by Jade Bowers and ITSOSENG, written and performed by Omphile Molusi.
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The DFL Company Laboratory presents the SA Season “Exploring the Personal Archive”
August 12 - August 13, 2011
The Drama for Life (DFL) Company Laboratory presents the SA Season “Exploring the Personal Archive”, curated by Warren Nebe, at The Wits Theatre Complex this August. From August 12 - August 13, 2011 Rajesh Gopie performs “Out of Bounds”.
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Excursion to Elandsdoorn
August 9, 2011
Our scholars took part in a successful excursion to the Ndlovu Care Group Centre in Elandsdoorn, Limpopo Province.
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Graduation Ceremony
July 29, 2011
DFL proudly presents its graduates Benne Banda, Faith Koli, Shella Ngefor, Ithateleng Sesinyi, Ruth Makumbirofa, Natasha Mazonde and Tendai Mtukwa.
Their graduation was celebrated on the 20th of July.
… Read More
Nelson Mandela Day
July 28, 2011
Sophia Ayissi tells us a bit about her experience on the Nelson Mandela Day: As we enter Pick ’n Pay, we’ve got R500 in our pockets and many ideas what to get for the homeless people at the Nelson Mandela Bridge in Braamfontein. … Read More
HOMELESS, BUT PEOPLE - PROFILES: Time
July 14, 2011 Sophia Ayissi accompanied DFL scholar Lesley Nkosi to meet homeless people at the bottom of the Nelson Mandela Bridge, where she met and got to know Time: There are stories of success. Time, a Zimbabwean that emigrated to South Africa in 1991 to escape from the bad economic and political situation in his country, tells such a story. … Read More
DFL presents: Pieter-Dirk Uys “Adapt or Dye”
July 14, 2011 Drama for Life (DFL) is proud to present its most dahling patron Pieter-Dirk Uys in an historic performance of his first ever piece, Adapt or Dye. This once-off performance is being staged in conjunction with the 3rd Apartheid Archives Conference (27 – 29 July at Wits University): Narratives, Nostalgia and Nationhoods, at The Market Theatre on the 29th July. … Read More
Reflection on DFL Playback Performance
July 12, 2011
It was one of the coldest days winter had unleashed on us so far. But that didn’t stop the staff, parents & pupils of St Mary’s DSG (Pretoria) from braving the freezing conditions to come together & address, discuss, even tackle issues that have been causing challenges within their school community.
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“Rituals”
July 12, 2011 From the NAMA 2009 Outstanding Theatrical Production Award winning duet of acclaimed Zimbabwean author Stephen Chifunyise and director-cum-producer, Daves Guzha, comes poignant “Rituals”, a musical and inspirational journey through community driven healing processes that are impeded by lack of political will. … Read More
A Conversation with Eve Ensler
July 05, 2011
You are INVITED this SUNDAY JULY 10.
The Market Theatre presents:
A Conversation with Eve Ensler, Playwright, Performer, Activist and the Award-winning author of The Vagina Monologues hosted by SAFM’s Karabo Kgoleng.
… Read More
The 2011 Drama for Life Africa Research Conference Call for Proposals
July 21, 2011 The 2011 Drama for Life Africa Research Conference has officially opened the Call for Proposals focusing on the topic: Building a Critical Pedagogy in Applied Drama and Theatre Higher Education in Africa
Call for Applications: Internship Position
June 24, 2011 An exciting opportunity for an Arts Management internship with one of the country’s top arts programs. Utilising an on-the-job approach to training, the 12-month internship focuses on research and development within arts management and arts administration. Candidates who are passionate about theatre and the Arts should apply. … Read More
Difference. Art. Community
June 23, 2011 - A Review of DFL Playback by Sophia Ayissi
As some of the German DFL interns brought up the idea of inviting the DFL Playback Company to perform at our GIZ seminar, that is held every 4 months in order for the young volunteers to share their experiences in South Africa, we were confronted with different reactions. Most of them loved the idea
DFL Lover + Another Poetry Challenge 2011
June 21, 2011 The much anticipated DFL Lover + Another Poetry Challenge 2011 has officially OPENED…
2011 promises to be BIGGER & MORE SPECTACULAR for the DFL Lover + Another Poetry Challenge. Get ready to let your inspiration grow, the ink flow and ignite this city with your wit, charm, razor tongue and sharp words.
… Read More
DFL Festival is coming!
June 09, 2011 Its here. Sex Actually Festival will take Johannesburg by storm in 2011.
Events will take place at several venues across the city, ensuring that exciting, innovative and quality works are accessible to everyone from different communities. Crossing cultural divides, crossing sexual contexts, crossing geographical spacing and challenging our perceptions through entertaining performances, exceptional workshops and evocative themes. … Read More
Drama For Life and Nu Metro cinemas present: Life, Above All Directed by Oliver Schmitz
June 08, 2011
Free Screening:
“Life, Above All” is an emotional and universal drama about a young girl (stunningly performed by first-time-actress Khomotso Manyaka) who fights the fear and shame that have poisoned her community. The film captures the enduring strength of loyalty and a courage powered by the heart. Directed by South African filmmaker Oliver Schmitz (“Mapantsula”, “Paris, je t´aime”), it is based on the international award winning novel “Chanda’s Secrets” by Allan Stratton and and was awarded with the “Prix François Chalais” in Cannes 2010. http://www.life-above-all.com
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Drama for Life presents Pieter-Dirk Uys at the Apartheid Archives Conference
June 07, 2011
Narratives, Nostalgia, Nationhoods
3rd Apartheid Archive Conference
UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG
July 27 - July 29, 2011
The Narratives, Nostalgia, Nationhoods Conference will explore various deployments of nostalgia in different global contexts, including post-authoritarian and post-conflict societies, as well as contexts characterised by social, political and economic instability, fragmentation and disintegration. … Read More
CALL TO ACTION - BLANKET AND CLOTHING COLLECTION DRIVE FOR THE HOMELESS IN BRAAMFOINTEIN AND JOZI
June 07, 2011 DFL Scholar Lesley Nkosi is taking action for the Nelson Mandela Day by collecting blankets for the homeless in Braamfontein and Jozi. … Read More
Africa Research Conference
June 01, 2011 Drama for Life, at Wits School of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand will be hosting the fourth Africa Research Conference in Applied Drama and Theatre entitled
“Building a Critical Pedagogy in Applied Drama and Theatre Higher Education in Africa” from the 18th – 19th November 2011 at the Wits University Campus.
Sibongile Khumalo: RECLAIMING OUR HUMANITY
May 27, 2011 A speech delivered at the launch of the Drama For Life 2011 programme, and welcome to the Drama For Life 2011 scholars,
24 March 2011 at the Wits Theatre by Sibongile Khumalo.
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Call for Applications: Research Assistants
May 27, 2011 Drama for Life (DFL) is launching a comprehensive research project that requires expertise in data collection, documentation, reviews, surveys and evaluation. This study will involve DFL Case Studies across Africa, DFL Academic Curriculum and Research, DFL Sex Actually Festival, DFL Conference, and DFL Projects. DFL is looking for six highly competent research assistants to help develop this project. … Read More
HIV/AIDS: in it together - Exhibition
May 23, 2011 Ten young artists, musicians and performers come together to work and play around a difficult subject: the stigmas around HIV/AIDS. Facilitated by renowned New York artist Geoffrey Hendricks, and South African performance artist Anthea Moys, the participants engage with performance art and activism on the streets of downtown Johannesburg. HIV/AIDS: in it together is a document of their process, a film which explores the challenges of creative collaboration as a group of talented young people grapple with one of the biggest issues of our time, and bring a surprising and fresh new voice to a difficult subject. … Read More
Planet B – A New World
May 13, 2011
Drama For Life writer Rahiem Whisgary reviews ‘Planet B’ directed by Helen Iskander: In a seemingly post apocalyptic South Africa, Planet B is set ‘somewhere in the future’ and tells the story of a man: a recluse who has ‘invented a resourceful home for himself, but who suffers from terrible loneliness, and the nomad, who has built a protective wall around herself to survive, but who lost the ability to feel’.
HIV/AIDS: in it together
May 11, 2011 If you could not make the live performances - this is your chance to see what ‘HIV/AIDS: in it together’ is about!
Please come to see the screening of the documentary on Friday, May 13 at 14:30 at the Appolonia Theatre in Wits School of the Arts or on Saturday, May 14 at 13:30 at the Appolonia.
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T/here
May 10, 2011 I don’t know anymore what’s what. What feelings I have for you are based in reality or fantasy…
This multi media physical theatre performance piece is created by Jessica Denyschen and Levinia Jones, in collaboration with the performers Joni Barnard and Mmakgosi Kgabi.
Bongani Ntshingila
May 10, 2011 Drama For Life writer Rahiem Whisgary interviewed the stunning 2011 DFL scholar Bongani Ntshingila on his enthusiasm about theatre and the arts, summarizing it in a short but catchy article: A slight and seemingly timid Bongani comes to life when the topic of theatre, art and community comes up. Ideas and words spew forth in a torrent of passion…
Dr Kennedy Chinyowa
May 06, 2011 Dr Kennedy Chinyowa
By Vivienne Rowland
A pioneer in his own way, Dr Kennedy Chinyowa speaks excitedly of the field of Dramatic Arts.
HIV epidemic in SA resulting in an increasing number of people losing their lives to secondary pneum
May 06, 2011 HIV epidemic in SA resulting in an increasing number of people losing their lives to secondary pneum
The HIV epidemic in South Africa is claiming the lives of more South Africans, particularly children, than ever before, largely the result of two secondary infections: pneumococcal pneumonia and influenza. During the last 20 years, the two infections have become South Africa’s second-biggest killers, say two internationally-recognised Wits-based researchers. … Read More
Planet B @ The WITS Theatre
May 03, 2011 Planet B @ The WITS Theatre
Well Worn Theatre Company and Fresco Theatre in association with Dark Laugh and the DFL Company Lab present…
’PLANET B’
A DFL Scholars Story
April 14, 2011 Butana “ Peter/Tosh” Molefe, a 2011 DFL Scholar, was involved in one of our DFL Projects, before joining Drama For Life. In his article he tells us about his path to the Soweto Kliptown Youth (SKY) and his duties there. … Read More
Maitisong Festival
April 7, 2011 Maitisong Festival
Drama For Life will be participating at this years Maitisong Festival in Botswana showing four wonderful plays: Please come and watch: “Miss Margarida’s Way”, “Red Peter’s Way Out”, “The Mother of all Eating”, and “Woza Zimbo”! … Read More
Solidarity for Survival
March 30, 2011 Countries have borders - people don’t!
Médecins Sans Frontières / Doctors Without Borders South Africa launches a dynamic and thought provoking exhibition, titled Solidarity for Survival, on World Health Day (7 April 2011) to focus attention on the plight of thousands of people who survive displacement and migration; and come to South Africa where they face discrimination and xenophobia. … Read More
Back for More
March 25, 2011 Back for More
Benne E, Banda, a 2010 Drama For Life scholar, tells us why he is back for another year of Wits. As a 2011 DFL Scholar Benne is studying to get his MA at Wits University.
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Drama for Life Launch 2011
March 23, 2011 Drama for Life Launch 2011
On the 24th March, DFL will launch their 2011 programme to the public. The event will welcome the 17 new scholars who have recently arrived at Wits for the year. The evening will also introduce the extensive and exciting range of new and established projects borne out of the programme over the past 3 years. Guest speakers for the launch are Dr. Sibongile Khumalo, Prof. Tawana Kupe, Dr. Kennedy Chinowya, Remo Chipatiso and Warren Nebe. The DFL launch is open to the public and begins at 6:30 PM sharp at the Wits Theatre. … Read More
Shakespeare Revived
February 22, 2011 The Forgotten Angle Theatre Collaborative (FATC) funded by The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), brings you their latest creation titled “I Think It’s Hamlet” running at the Wits Downstairs Theater from Thursday, 24 February to Saturday, 26 February at 20h00. … Read More
Shock over murder of David Kato
February 2, 2011 Health4Men expresses shock and outrage at the recent murder of David Kato, prominent Ugandan gay rights activist. … Read More
Drama for Life graduates celebrate in style
November 26, 2010 – Drama for Life held its year end function last night to celebrate the graduation of the 2010 scholars. … Read More
Drama for Life Conference: Day three
October 1, 2010 – On August 28, teachers, learners, theoreticians and artists from around the globe congregated in the Wits Main Theatre for the conclusive chapter in the annual Drama for Life (DFL) Conference, an unforgettable three-day experience and the product of a collaboration between the Wits School of Arts (WSOA), the University of Pretoria’s music therapy and drama departments, the South African Association of Drama Therapists (SAAD) and the South African Network for Arts Therapies Organisations (SANATO). … Read More
Drama For Life Conference Day Two: August 27
September 28, 2010 – On day two of the Drama for Life Conference, a stimulating partnership between Wits School of Arts (WSOA), the University of Pretoria’s music therapy and drama departments, South African Association of Drama Therapists (SAAD) and the South African Network for Arts Therapies Organisations (SANATO), members of the public, foreign delegates, students, academics and art practitioners from all over the globe gathered again in the Wits Main theatre to continue discussion and debate.
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An overview of day one of the Drama for Life Conference
September 30, 2010 - The annual Drama for Life Conference, an inspiring collaboration between Wits School of Arts (WSOA), the University of Pretoria’s music therapy and drama departments, South African Association of Drama Therapists (SAAD) and the South African Network for Arts Therapies Organisations (SANATO), kicked off on August 26, 2010.
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Drama for Life to spread the love in KZN
September 14, 2010 - After wowing Joburg and Cape Town, the Drama for Life Festival arrives in Pietermaritzburg on 15 and 16 September, before heading to Durban on 17 September. … Read More
Cutting-edge works at Cape Town’s Drama for Life Festival
September 7, 2010 – The Drama for Life Festival debuts in Cape Town from 9 to 11 September 2010, with a selection of provocative performing arts pieces and workshops that grapple with sexual behaviour.
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Drama for Life Festival launch gets people talking about sex, actually
August 21, 2010 – Tonight drama students, academics, playwrights and the public gathered on an outdoor terrace at the Wits Theatre for the provocative launch of the 2010 Drama for Life Sex Actually Festival.
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Exploring how the arts can transform Africa
August 20, 2010 – How can the arts be used to empower and heal African communities? This crucial issue will be discussed during the Drama for Life Africa Research Conference, taking place at Wits University from August 26 to 28, 2010. … Read More
Exciting ‘Sex Actually’ Programme launched!
August 20, 2010 – The Drama for Life (DFL) Festival team proudly presents an exciting and engaging programme for the 2010 ‘Sex Actually’ Festival in Johannesburg! … Read More
Acclaimed music therapy expert to launch new book at DFL Conference
August 18, 2010 – Acclaimed music therapy expert Mercedes Pavlicevic is set to launch her exciting new book Taking Music Seriously: Stories from South African Music Therapy at the Drama for Life Africa Research Conference.
David Gere to speak at the Drama for Life Africa Research Conference
August 17, 2010 – UCLA associate professor and director of the MAKE ART/STOp AIDS project will be presenting a keynote address at this years’ Drama for Life Africa Research Conference. … Read More
Drama for Life collaborates with the Nelson Mandela Foundation on SA Season
August 13, 2010 – The inaugural SA Season, hosted by the Drama for Life and the Dramatic Arts Division of the Wits School of the Arts, comes to an end tomorrow. SA Season is a fortnight-long series of events that shines the spotlight on local South African dramatic, musical and film productions. … Read More
Spoken word gets sexy in poetry slam
August 12, 2010 – The Drama for Life “Sex Actually” Festival is travelling around South Africa during August and September 2010, and will be using the arts to talk frankly about sex, HIV and AIDS and relationships. Add to this prizes to the value of R12 000, and you have an explosive mix of arts and sex-sational entertainment. … Read More
SA Season at Wits Theatre Complex
July 29, 2010 – From July 29 to August 14, the Dramatic Art division of the Wits School of Arts and Wits Theatre will present 58 performances of 9 plays in 4 venues, including works by Barney Simon, Percy Mtwa, Bongeni Ngema, Athol Fugard, Reza de Wet, Paul Slabolepszy, Gcina Mhlope and others. … Read More
Call for entries for the Drama for Life Lover and Another Poetry Challenge
July 28, 2010 –The DFL ‘Sex Actually’ Festival announces the Drama for Life Lover and Another Poetry Challenge. Be part of an exciting performance poetry competition! … Read More
Drama for Life Festival ‘Sex Actually’ Update
May 18, 2010 – The 2010 Drama for Life Festival entry forms for Cape Town, Pietermaritzburg and Durban are now available. The Johannesburg call for entries deadline has been extended to 27 May 2010. If you require funding for your event please download the application for the supporting grant. … Read More
Playback Theatre ‘plays it back to me’
May 14, 2010 – Drama for Life scholar Tonderai Chiyindiko tells us about a Playback Theatre Workshop with Jonathan Fox and his personal experience with Playback Theatre. … Read More
Drama for Life invites you to WALE
April 19, 2010 – Drama for Life invites you to the Wits Arts and Literature Experience (WALE) this Thursday evening at the Nunnery. For more details download a PDF version of the invite here. … Read More
When “words create worlds”
April 19, 2010 – Selloane Mokuku tells us about the theatre based appreciative inquiry held in Lesotho around HIV and AIDS. … Read More
The truth about ... DFL
April 16, 2010 – German DFL intern Eliana Schuler tells us about the German Ministers visit to DFL in German. … Read More
Drama for Life launched in Lesotho
March 30, 2010 – The ‘Young people in Theatre against HIV and AIDS’ project and DFL launch took place in Lesotho on 19 February 2010.
The theatre project was undertaken by the NGO Coalition on the Rights of a Child (NGOC) with support from the United Nations’ Children’s Fund (UNICEF). … Read More
Wits Arts and Literature Experience gives arts the edge
March, 29, 2010 – It’s just under two months until the 2010 Wits Arts and Literature Experience (WALE) gets under way – and already the programme is set to make good on WALE’s promise to deliver “arts on the edge”.
Now in its third year, WALE takes place from April 21 to 24 at various venues on the Wits campus, which is situated in the heart of Johannesburg’s Braamfontein precinct. … Read More
Wits Arts and Literature Experience festival offers a dramatic line-up
March 29, 2010 – Expect world-class theatre from the main theatre programme, alongside an extensive line-up of cutting-edge, topical and interdisciplinary productions from the Young Directors’ Season, at the 2010 Wits Arts and Literature Experience (WALE).
WALE’s main theatre programme boasts three prestigious plays, staged at the Wits Theatre. … Read More
Through positive eyes
March 29, 2010 – If there is one message we need to get out to people, it’s that HIV does to us only what we let it do…
HIV does not spell the end of an enriching family life, the opportunity to love and be loved, the opportunity to raise a family, the opportunity to worship your God, to go to church and be accepted as you are. … Read More
Drama for Life at the Maitisong Festival
March 25, 2010 – Drama for Life Playback Theatre presents Witnessing, Sharing, Listening, Being; Through Our Stories, at the Maitisong Festival in Botswana in April 2010! … Read More
Drama for Life Programme in Windhoek for DED regional Weltwaerts conference
March 8, 2010 – The Drama for Life programme manager, Munyaradzi Chatikobo, attended a German development service (DED) regional Weltwaerts (volunteer) Conference, which ran from March 1 to March 5, 2010. His attendance was courtesy of the DED South Africa office in Pretoria. … Read More
Call for workshop and performance proposals
March 4, 2010 – Since its inception, the Drama for Life Festival has aimed to offer a central hub for people working in the field of applied drama and theatre in the context of HIV/Aids. This year’s theme, “Sex Actually”, focuses on ways to find creative and sustainable ways to build capacity in HIV/Aids education and prevention. … Read More
Dr John Kani and Professor Sarah Roberts direct and design Othello at Wits
February 18, 2010 – Othello by William Shakespeare – A production mounted by the Drama division of the Wits School of Arts (WSOA), with an ensemble comprising current senior performance students and post-graduates.
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Drama for Life takes to the stage for its third year
February 12, 2010 – HIV/Aids and education programme Drama for Life held the official launch of its 2010 Scholars at the Wits Theatre on February 11, 2010.
The evening celebrated the achievements of the Drama for Life (DFL) programme over its past two years of operation and looked forward to further success in 2010. It also provided the opportunity to welcome the new intake of scholars and wish them well for the year ahead.
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Innovative Research Conference at Wits in November
November 3, 2009 - The Division of Dramatic Art in collaboration with Drama for Life, Wits School of the Arts, will be hosting the 2009 Africa Research Conference in Applied Drama and Theatre, presented from November 12 to 14 2009, at the Wits Main Theatre, Braamfontein, Johannesburg.
This year’s conference will aim at facilitating dialogue across disciplines concerning the role of Drama and Theatre in HIV and Aids education, prevention and rehabilitation.
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Curtain comes down on the Drama for Life Festival
September 9, 2009 The Drama for Life Festival program came to an end on September 5 leaving theatre lovers licking their lips and asking for more. The program which started on a high note on August 20 was packed with all sorts of theatrical works ranging from dramas, workshops to dances.
The festival saw beautiful dramas being showcased. These included among others UBOM’s Swimming Lesson , Imbokodo, Risky Business and The Memory Box. … Read More
Ingcwaba lendoda a big hit
September 8, 2009 – In theatre circles, they say a good piece of art speaks for itself and directors and actors enjoy it when audiences enjoy their piece and walk out chatting about the good story and the good acting.
Ingcwaba lendoda lise cankwe ndlela is a different story. Produced by Mandla Mbothwe with Magnet Theatre, the piece gets the audience talking not only to each other but to the director too.
… Read More
DFL scholars feature in 969 Festival
September 4, 2009 – Arts Alive, a Wits Theatre partner, has given a new face to the 969 Festival as this year the 969 Festival will form part of the Arts Alive Festival
The Arts Alive festival takes place from September 3 – 27, 2009 at venues across Johannesburg.
Tale of a migrant
September 3, 2009 – In a sad yet hilarious presentation, Thokozani Kapiri from Nanzikambe Art Development Organisation, and the 2008 DFL Honours programme narrates the story of a young Nyasa (Malawian) migrant’s difficult journey from a poverty stricken life selling groundnuts in Blantyre to seek greener pastures in Egoli (Johannesburg). … Read More
Tseleng: The Baggage of Bags at the 2009 969 Festival
September 2, 2009 – Tseleng: The Baggage of Bags is inspired by Mbali Kgosidintsi - the writer and performer’s - personal narrative. She grew up traveling from city to city and as a young adult she traveled the world. To her, home has transcended into a concept and not a physical place. … Read More
Drama for Life students get down to business
August 28, 2009 – The 2009 AAA-HA!!! Project at the University of Witwatersrand kicked off on August 25 as part of the Drama for Life Festival. The project is collaboration with DramAide and the Counselling and Careers Development Unit (CCDU) at Wits.
In 2008 Drama for Life in collaboration with CCDU successfully piloted the AAA-HA Project at three Wits campuses namely the Main campus, the Education Campus and the Business School Campus. … Read More
DFL Festival showcases play back theatre
August 26, 2009 – Teboho Rantsoabe attended a play back theatre workshop and tell us about the experience.
The Play Back theatre workshop commenced in a involving and engaging manner with workshop conductor, Kathy Barolsky, a 2008 Drama for Life graduate engaging the participants in a warm-up session allowing all members to contribute. … Read More
Risky Business
August 26, 2009 – Appropriately titled, Risky Business, the HIV/AIDS performance by UBOM! lives up to its name. Kudakwashe Chitambire gives us the lowdown on the performance.
I am usually skeptical about watching HIV/AIDS plays having had numerous disappointing encounters but today I just thought I would take a chance as this company is from Grahamstown, home of one of the biggest Arts festival in Africa and I was not disappointed.
… Read More
Passing it on - Theatre for Young People with Young People
August 26, 2009 – Lerato Msiwa reviews the workshop Passing it on reflected on challenges that are faced by the theatre practitioners when accessing donor funding.
The participants put together a hypothetical proposal for funds from United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). They considered the following questions when putting together their proposal. … Read More
Drama for Life Festival kicks off
August 26, 2009 –The long awaited Drama for Life Festival kicked off on Thursday August 20, 2009 on a high note with a series of well attended workshops and plays.
The Festival titled Changing the Face of HIV/AIDS; changing our consciousness runs till September 5, 2009 and judging by the initial events audiences are in for a treat.
… Read More
DFL 2009 Festival launches successfully
August 22, 2009 – The Drama for Life Festival was officially launched on Saturday August 22 on a high note. An ambitious programme put together by Drama for Life roared into life with the Drama for Life Director Warren Nebe giving a brief welcome speech.
A traditional dance group set the ball rolling with their warrior like dances and traditional songs. They greeted and welcomed all with their song hello, hello, siyalibingelela. This marked the beginning of an action packed day filled with workshops and performances.
… Read More
Drama for Life speaks to PJ Sabbagha
August 21, 2009 – Just days before the launch of the Drama for Life Festival entitled Changing the face of HIV; changing our consciousness, amidst rehearsal schedules and final preparations our reporter caught up with PJ Sabbagha to find out what his collaboration with Drama for Life scholars, Deep Skin has in store for audience members. … Read More
Drama for Life Festival - Changing the Face of HIV/Aids; Changing our Consciousness
August 19, 2009 – Drama for Life, a holistic arts programme hosted by the Division of Dramatic Art at The University of Witwatersrand (Wits), brings to you the much anticipated arts festival, ‘Changing the Face of HIV/Aids; changing our consciousness’; running from August 20 - September 5.
This year’s theme focuses on renewed efforts in finding creative and sustainable ways of learning and building capacity in HIV and AIDS education and prevention. … Read More
‘Not Alone’ international exhibition launch reinforces message of hope
July 27, 2009 –“Twelve years ago, the virus raged through my body and I was faced with death …When treatment became available, I started on it, knowing joyfully and triumphantly that my life would be given back to me.” These were the opening words of Judge Edwin Cameron at the Johannesburg launch of the international exhibition, ‘Not Alone’ - a collaborative tribute to the lives lost and the triumphs gained in the struggle against HIV and AIDS.
The ‘Not Alone’ international touring exhibition is a Make Art/Stop AIDS Project, an initiative by Professor David Gere from UCLA that seeks to use the arts in combating the spread of HIV and AIDS.
Pulitzer Prize winning writer Margret Edson addresses Drama for Life scholars
July, 27, 2009 – Starting the semester off on a motivational note, Margaret Edson, author of the award winning play Wit, addressed Drama for Life (DFL) scholars on the topic of ‘turning craft into art’.
Opening her discussion, Edson said: “In order to change consciousness, we need a good story”. Edson argued that good stories were complex in nature; grappled with human frailty; challenged notions of simplicity and rejected easy solutions. … Read More
The AAA-HA! Project to launch at the Drama for Life Festival
July, 24, 2009 –The AAA –HA! Project is set to launch at the Drama for Life(DFL) Festival in August. The AAA-HA! Project is a DramAidE initiated project that is supported by Johns Hopkins Health and Education South Africa (JHESSA) and the main objective of the project is to support art departments at universities in actively engaging students in the creation of HIV and AIDS awareness projects using the medium of art. … Read More