Drama Therapy Within The African Context

Drama therapy practices and theory was born out of ancient rituals and shamanic practices. The modern-day application of Drama therapy inherited its roots from western perspectives and that of psychodrama and educational drama practices (Meyer, 2014). Jacob Moreno known as the father of Drama Therapy started the use of drama as a therapeutic movement. His studies and methods went against all forms of psychology and focused on the individual’s present and future as opposed to his peers that only focused on the individual’s past (Heuvel, 2018). Today we can acknowledge that drama therapy has been around for centuries with strong principles within theatre and healing rituals where the focus is on life itself (Kedem-Tahar and Kellermann, 1996). I will now look at drama therapy within the African context taking into account all the information mentioned above. But before we go in-depth into drama therapy and the use thereof in an African context, one has to take note and understand African cultures itself and their viewpoint towards therapy and treatments. Drama therapy within the African Context: According to Nwoye (2006), the author states that African practitioners in therapy share a different view than that of western perspective countries, because of cultural background differences. These cultural differences can be seen in their concept of health and view of more than just the individual (Makanya, 2014). According to Makanya (2014) one can look at the following example to view the differences of cultural viewpoints: In the western world, the mind and body is viewed as a separate entity as opposed to the African context where it is seen as a single entity. Within the African context spirituality or religion is in constant interaction between the present reality and the spirit world.“ for Africa, people cannot be divorced from medicine, morality and law ” (Manda, 2008, p. 131).

When we look into the Zulu culture one can easily note that their view on health is that of not only a healthy body but also a healthy environment of everything around them in their

Drama therapy practices and theory was born out of ancient rituals and shamanic practices. The modern-day application of Drama therapy inherited its roots from western perspectives and that of psychodrama and educational drama practices (Meyer, 2014). Jacob Moreno known as the father of Drama Therapy started the use of drama as a therapeutic movement. His studies and methods went against all forms of psychology and focused on the individual’s present and future as opposed to his peers that only focused on the individual’s past (Heuvel, 2018).

Today we can acknowledge that drama therapy has been around for centuries with strong principles within theatre and healing rituals where the focus is on life itself (Kedem-Tahar and Kellermann, 1996). I will now look at drama therapy within the African context taking into account all the information mentioned above.

But before we go in-depth into drama therapy and the use thereof in an African context, one has to take note and understand African cultures itself and their viewpoint towards therapy and treatments.

Drama Therapy within the African Context:

According to Nwoye (2006), the author states that African practitioners in therapy share a different view than that of western perspective countries, because of cultural background differences. These cultural differences can be seen in their concept of health and view of more than just the individual (Makanya, 2014).

According to Makanya (2014) one can look at the following example to view the differences of cultural viewpoints: In the western world, the mind and body is viewed as a separate entity as opposed to the African context where it is seen as a single entity. Within the African context spirituality or religion is in constant interaction between the present reality and the spirit world.

“ for Africa, people cannot be divorced from medicine, morality and law ” (Manda, 2008, p. 131).

When we look into the Zulu culture one can easily note that their view on health is that of not only a healthy body but also a healthy environment of everything around them in their situation. Therefore one can note the unique relationship between the individual and their surroundings (Ngubane, 1977, p. 24). This analysis is important to address; as Western practices and theory modules may not work within the African context. Because the area in which a individual exist is that of co- existence and multi beneficial within the scope of the community. Treatment will not be successful if isolation from environment and community of the individual takes place. A better treatment outcome can be achieved when the focus is drawn upon the client itself and the community wherein the client exists. Respecting the co-existence is vital towards treatment and therapy (Makanya, 2014).

Case Study of Drama Therapy within African Countries:

An example of drama therapy in practise is that of Langata Woman’s Prison in Kenya done by, The Institute of Performing Artists Limited, under the leadership of Bantu Mwaura. During this session, they made use of role reversal, storytelling, role play, dramatic games and productions to make the individual comprehend the scenario that resulted in their incarceration (Okoih, 2006).

Okoih (2006) further states that the experiment improved their knowledge of society and its complex workings. They achieved success by telling life stories and stories from the perspective of relatives, friends and legal authorities. This technique improved their understanding towards the abusive use of alcohol and how their actions effected their relationships and everyday living.

This study resulted in the individual gaining skills to practically solve problems within themselves and help them to achieve suitable and unique solutions as a work module to implement in their rehabilitation (Okoih, 2006).

It is within this example that one can clearly see how the use of drama therapy can be successful in the field of substance abuse, treatments and therapy.

Another case study on how drama therapy can improve lives with I Africa comes from that of Themba Mkhoma, where he started the concept of “Positive gangsterism”. where he tried to change the mindset of gang members, to change their outlook and rather focus on positivity and how they can do something different to better their communities, rather than partaking in crime activities. This movement was seen as the harbour for those once angered and led down by the community. It is within this group that young people can interpret and understand social issues (Sithole, 2018). Mkhoma stated that:

“It, (Drama) is more important than life itself because when young people engage in drama it gives them the opportunity to interrogate life”.

Conclusion:

It is without a doubt that drama therapy is a unique art form that can be used in therapeutic practices, however, the research regarding drama therapy within Africa is still limited within the African context, thus we need to do more research to obtain successful outcomes. Oshodi (2017) said that drama therapy is a area all sectors needs to focus on for the benefit of human and social growth. Drama therapy is thus vital for the use of therapy and can be used successfully within Africa. It is my believe that we can change the way we practise therapy and truly acknowledge our client’s, background and culture to better the outcome of success and bettering the lives of humans for the better.