Phakama: Making Participatory Performance - Dennis Eugene Dey

Phakama is a South African non-profit organization that uses participatory performance to address social issues. Founded in 2004 by Dennis Eugene Dey, Phakama has worked with communities across the country to create performances that explore issues such as HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and poverty.

Dey, a South African actor, director, and playwright, was inspired to found Phakama after experiencing the power of participatory performance firsthand. In the early 2000s, he was working with a community in rural South Africa on a play about HIV/AIDS. As the community members shared their stories and experiences, Dey realized that the performance was not just a way to entertain, but also a way to raise awareness and foster dialogue about an important issue.

Phakama: Making Participatory Performance

by Dennis Eugene Dey

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	287 pages

FREE

Phakama's work is based on the belief that everyone has a story to tell and that these stories can be used to create powerful and transformative performances. Through its workshops and performances, Phakama empowers community members to share their voices and experiences, and to use these stories to make a difference in their communities.

Participatory Performance

Participatory performance is a type of theater in which the audience is actively involved in the performance. This can take many different forms, from having audience members participate in interactive games or exercises to having them help to create the performance itself.

Phakama's participatory performances are typically based on the stories and experiences of the community members involved. The performances are often devised through a process of improvisation and collaboration, and they often incorporate elements of music, dance, and storytelling.

Participatory performance can be a powerful tool for social change. It can help to raise awareness of important issues, foster dialogue, and empower community members to take action. Phakama's performances have been used to address a wide range of social issues, including HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence, and poverty.

Phakama's Work

Phakama's work is divided into three main areas:

• Workshops: Phakama offers workshops in participatory performance to community groups, schools, and other organizations. These workshops teach participants the basics of participatory performance and help them to develop their own performances.




• Performances: Phakama produces participatory performances that are performed in communities across South Africa. These performances are often based on the stories and experiences of the community members involved, and they use a variety of artistic forms to explore important social issues.




• Training: Phakama offers training in participatory performance to theater practitioners and other professionals. This training helps participants to develop the skills and knowledge needed to create and facilitate participatory performances.

Phakama's work has been recognized both in South Africa and internationally. The organization has received numerous awards, including the prestigious Prince Claus Award in 2010.

The Impact of Phakama

Phakama's work has had a significant impact on the lives of many people in South Africa. The organization's performances have helped to raise awareness of important social issues, foster dialogue, and empower community members to take action.

Phakama's work has also helped to build bridges between different communities in South Africa. The organization's performances have brought together people from different backgrounds and cultures, and they have helped to create a sense of shared understanding and community.

The Future of Phakama

Phakama is committed to continuing its work of using participatory performance to address social issues in South Africa. The organization is currently working on a number of new projects, including a performance about the impact of climate change on rural communities.

Phakama is also working to expand its reach internationally. The organization has recently partnered with organizations in other countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, to bring participatory performance to new audiences.

Phakama's work is more important than ever in today's world. The organization's participatory performances are a powerful tool for social change, and they are helping to build a more just and equitable society in South Africa.

Phakama: Making Participatory Performance

by Dennis Eugene Dey

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	9952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	287 pages

FREE