Theatre in developing countries

K. Rowat (krowat@uoguelph.ca)
Wed, 27 Mar 1996 21:16:51 -0500 (EST)

I am currently working on an undergraduate paper that looks at forum
theatre (interactive drama) in developing countries for rural community
development. Basically, Interactive Drama (ID) is a participatory method
used in community development whereby consensus making on key issues or
problems within a village, discussion of these problems and possible
solutions and action plans are reached through unscripted/improvised drama
and discussion. I had the opportunity of witnessing this method of
participatory development while in rural northern Ghana in the context of water
sanitation and health programs. This decision making process has
been in keeping with the traditional role of dance, drama and song within the
culture.

Now the question.... Has anyone seen this type of approach (theatre or drama
involving the community members as actors) used in agriculture? This
need not relate to only developing countries but somehow to
education/community development work in agriculture using ID. Any
personal wild ideas on the subject or the connection between these
spheres are more than welcomed. You can reply via email. Thank you,

Kira Rowat
University of Guelph
Email: krowat@uoguelph.ca