Phakama

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.