Towards a University Popular Theatre: The Case of University of Botswana

Abstract

The primary objective of this paper is to argue that university theatre can be made popular and contribute to social change in Botswana if proper processes and methodologies are employed. It is the aim of the paper therefore to see in what way it can best achieve this, employing the techniques of Paulo Freire Pedagogy of the Oppressed [PO] and Augusto Boal’s Theatre of the Oppressed [TO]. Part of the argument, therefore, is that the theatre practiced in the University of Botswana [UB], in spite of its academic demands, needs to seriously rethink the social function of being in touch with the community, an idea which was pioneered in Botswana by the now defunct Laedza Batanani project, which has roots in UB. This is not to say the theatre in UB has not been in touch with the community, but the rethink has to do with the process and methodology employed.

Keywords: social change, university theatre, popular theatre, community theatre, theatre-for-development