Methuen Drama Phakama (Theatre Makers): Making Participatory Performance

Review Phakama has been on a long journey of discovery and creating a space for people to belong. It has and will continue to be a crucial part of many people's lives because governments around the world continue to make life unliveable so sanctuary has to be sought. Phakama holds a million stories and the unpacking of these narratives and exploration of methodology to support and nurture a new way of being needs to be documented and shared. This is a book for anyone who cares about human rights and believes the arts are a fundamental part of who we are and how we engage with the world and no one does this better than Phakama. - --Jenny Sealy, Artistic Director of Graeae Theatre Company Product Description Phakama is an international arts organisation working with music, dance, drama and art to create adventurous, site-responsive performances with groups of young people from diverse backgrounds. Established in South Africa in 1996, its programme of intense cultural training and cultural exchange has left a legacy of networks and opportunities in its wake, impacting countless individuals and groups across the globe. This book offers readers unprecedented access to Phakama's innovative methodology and makes its practice accessible to a wide range of audiences. Each chapter contextualises and critiques their approach within political and critical concerns about contemporary theatre and performance, including approaches to devising theatre; applied and social theatre; intercultural performance practices; pedagogic models which respond to the needs of young people in different cultural contexts; cultural leadership; and innovative models of collaboration within and beyond the cultural industries. Ideal for researchers and students of theatre and performance practice, the book is framed by a series of case studies, interviews and contextualising articles. At the heart of the book is a selection of carefully explained and beautifully illustrated exercises which will enable Phakama's methodology to be used by organisations and practitioners working with young people internationally. About the Author Lucy Richardson is Senior Lecturer in Performing Arts at London Metropolitan University and one of the early members of Phakama. Her research interest, which includes both traditional and performance research, is in 'creative processes and the politics of participation'. She established The Facility: Research Centre in Creative Practice at London Met to champion practice based research. Fabio Santos is the former Artistic Director of Phakama and a contributing writer on a collaboratively written handbook of transitional arts practice, led by Lucy Neal. Caoimhe McAvinchey is Senior Lecturer in Drama, Theatre and Performance Studies at Queen Mary University London and has published research reports, academic articles and books within the field of applied and social theatre.