Drama for Life, established initially as a project in 2006, has grown into a meaningful and productive academic department and creative research hub in the Wits School of Arts at the University of the Witwatersrand. The recent publication Innovative Methods in Applied Drama and Theatre Practice in African Contexts (2022) bears testimony to the depth and scope of innovation Drama for Life has undertaken. However, the current national and global crises present severe challenges for Drama for Life, Higher Education in general, and local, national and global communities and their wellbeing.

Drama for Life is pleased to announce its 14^th Conference and Festival with a difference! This conference coincides with the Wits Centenary celebrations and instead of running for the a specific continuous time over two or three days – as the norm internationally – this conference is segmented over two months with a gentle rhythm, giving participants time to assimilate and participate in manageable ways. The conference and festival will feature live and online events with performance as research presentations, conversations, panel presentations and special guest lectures from people like Dr Clive Holmwood, Dr Munyaradzi Chatikobo, Dr Carol Preston, Leila Henriques, Sibongile Bhebhe, Dr Petro Janse Van Vuuren, Dr Lucy Draper-Clarke and many others. The Drama for Life Wits Centenary Conference Series will be opened by Tessa Dooms, a director of the Rivonia Circles and will include a panel on innovation with Ayanda Khala, Dr Munyaradzi Chatikobo, Levinia Jones, Caryn Green, Warren Nebe and Lonwabo Mavuso.

Innovation lies at the heart of Wits University's vision as it enters its second century as one of the leading academic institutions in the Global South. The recently approved strategic framework of the University lays down a set of commitments which the University undertakes to achieve by 2028. These objectives are aligned to the United Nations Strategic Development Goals (#SDG2030).

2 September 2022 - 29 October 2022