Drama for Life

Drama for Life Drama for Life’s conceptual basis of Applied Drama is rooted in the indigenous history of Theatre for Development in Africa. Master of Arts in Drama Therapy
6.

Drama for Life, based at the University of the Witwatersrand, is an academic research department for social transformation and healing in and through Applied Arts, Arts Therapies and Arts Research. Drama for Life| The Wits School of Arts| University of the Witwatersrand|

Department of Postgraduate Studies in Applied Drama and Theatre, Performance Studies and Performance Ethnography, Drama Educat

ion, and Drama Therapy. Drama for Life is internationally recognized as representative of the University of the Witwatersrand’s unique postgraduate academic, research and community engagement division that brings together the disciplines of Applied Drama, Drama Education and Drama Therapy within the context of a critical reflexive praxis. Our ethos is driven by the key question: What does it mean to be human and how can we learn to be resilient, without compromising our humanity, as we engage with the enormous challenges of change in the 21st century? Our study of this discipline, through the lens of power, pedagogy and praxis, is a critical inquiry into the theories and practice of development, education and therapeutic drama approaches toward social behavior change, within a human rights and social justice discourse, in urban and rural communities impacted by psychosocial trauma, economic and educational impoverishment, global cultural and climate challenges. Drama for Life’s inclusion of Drama Education is a deliberate acknowledgment of the significant role of the drama practitioner who uses drama as an educational methodology; the drama practitioner who facilitates theatre-making as an educational strategy; and the drama practitioner who teaches drama as a subject. Drama for Life is the only university programme in Africa that offers a recognised professional qualification in Drama Therapy with Health Professional Council accreditation. Drama Therapy is the intentional and systematic use of drama and theatre processes to achieve the therapeutic goals of symptom relief, emotional, cognitive and physical integration, and personal growth. Drama for Life offers the following Postgraduate qualifications:

1. Postgraduate Diploma in Arts in the field of Applied Drama and Theatre
2. Bachelor of Arts with Honours in the field of Applied Drama: Theatre in Education, Communities, and Social Contexts
3. Bachelor of Arts with Honours in the field of Drama Therapy
4. Master of Arts in Applied Drama: Theatre in Education, Communities, and Social Contexts
5. Master of Arts by Creative Research or Dissertation
7. PhD by Creative Research or Dissertation

Drama for Life’s objective is to educate professional artists, therapists, facilitators, and educators in arts for social transformation. Drama for Life is committed to the education of professionals who are research active, who understand what it means to be resilient care-givers, creators and leaders, who embody and execute ethical practice, and who understand, harness and implement collaborative, systemic arts interventions in education, development and, or health that are effective, affective and sustainable. For more information visit www.dramaforlife.co.za

Contact: Omphemetse Mokgosi, Programme Manager (Student Recruitment, Welfare & Scholarships) [email protected] and at [email protected]. Phone: +2711-717-4755

Our first Townhall of the semester got kicked off by one of our Honours students Collen-Mansa Makua, who invited us into...
13/08/2026

Our first Townhall of the semester got kicked off by one of our Honours students Collen-Mansa Makua, who invited us into two worlds: one representing desolation and inequality, and another being a reimagined opposite, where life thrives. His dream is for the creation of a carbon-free sustainable smart city where technology, nature and people are in harmony. A member of our staff and some of our students also shared their respective dreams of a reimagined future for humanity.

Please join us next week Tuesday, from 12h30 at Drama for Life for our next Townhall. ALL are welcome.





Don’t miss out on these six upcoming masterclasses! Attendance is free. Book tickets via the link below 👇
11/08/2026

Don’t miss out on these six upcoming masterclasses! Attendance is free. Book tickets via the link below 👇

Kaza Kamba is hosting six masterclasses led by dynamic professional theatre makers.

Don't miss our play readings!
The audience can engage in discussion with playwrights, or debate about the TRC on the 30th anniversary of its launch in 1996.

Workshops and Play Readings are FREE.

🗓 Friday 21 and Saturday 22 August 2026 @ The Market Theatre

Tickets: Booking on Webtickets or register at the workshop on arrival.

Link: https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/event.aspx?itemid=1599414899







Drama for Life Resource and Ar(t)chive Centre and the Drama for Life Dance in Education Programme collaborated with the ...
05/08/2026

Drama for Life Resource and Ar(t)chive Centre and the Drama for Life Dance in Education Programme collaborated with the Department of Anthropology, Universityof the Witwatersrand, to host renowned choreographer, academic researcher, associate Professor Jacki Job as she launched her book, “Choreographing Rebellion”. The book is an autoethnographic account of her practice of resistance, sustained through her choreographic journey spanning more than 30 years!
The conversation with Jacki was facilitated by Anthropology Professor, Zimitri Erusmus, with the event being officially opened by Drama for Life Head of Department, Dr. Linda Thibedi-Mdena, and closed with a vote of thanks by Drama for Life founder, Warren Nebe.
We were also privileged to have Jacki conclude the day with us at eMakhaya Theatre where she gave a workshop on the Japanese dance-theatre technique known as ‘Butoh’.

Special thanks goes out to Professor Zimitri Erusmus with support from Lucky Moeketsi (Dance in Education) for convening this insightful, and inspiring event in which riveting conversation and viewings of Jacki Job’s body of work were engaged with. Thank you also to the Wits Theatre team for the space and technical support.





Apply now to our exciting short course Theatre of the Oppressed (TO): Introductory Level! With just over a week until it...
23/07/2026

Apply now to our exciting short course Theatre of the Oppressed (TO): Introductory Level! With just over a week until it begins, it promises to be an eye-opening engagement with the power of TO in social transformation and healing.

RSVP to [email protected]

A massive congratulations to our most recent cohort of graduates! You walked the talk and now enter a new chapter in whi...
22/07/2026

A massive congratulations to our most recent cohort of graduates! You walked the talk and now enter a new chapter in which you can change the world around you through art, presence and expertise.
We see you and we honour you! 🎉



Please join us in supporting the Merchants of Light! Find their details in our Mandela Day post ⬇️
18/07/2026

Please join us in supporting the Merchants of Light! Find their details in our Mandela Day post ⬇️

“It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”

67 years. 67 minutes. But Mandela Day shouldn’t just be a once-a-year act of service. It’s a reminder that change and justice involve active, ongoing work.

At Drama for Life, we believe applied drama and theatre aren’t just tools for reflection - they’re tools for action! Tools to confront inequality, build empathy, and give voice to communities who are so often unheard.

Madiba reminded us that poverty isn’t natural. It’s man-made, and it can be overcome by the actions of human beings. This Mandela Day, we recommit to using the arts as a force for social transformation. Because the arts don’t just reflect the world… they change it.

Drama for Life is committed to supporting vulnerable children in the City of Johannesburg. To this end, we actively support the Merchants of Light. We encourage all Drama for Life Community members and friends to make a donation to this extraordinary organisation that feeds children. Send your donation to:

Merchants of Light
First National Bank [FNB]
A/C: 630 205 38 542
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

How will you use your 67 minutes? 🤲

“It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”67 years. 67 minutes. But Mandela Day shouldn’t just be a once-...
17/07/2026

“It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”

67 years. 67 minutes. But Mandela Day shouldn’t just be a once-a-year act of service. It’s a reminder that change and justice involve active, ongoing work.

At Drama for Life, we believe applied drama and theatre aren’t just tools for reflection - they’re tools for action! Tools to confront inequality, build empathy, and give voice to communities who are so often unheard.

Madiba reminded us that poverty isn’t natural. It’s man-made, and it can be overcome by the actions of human beings. This Mandela Day, we recommit to using the arts as a force for social transformation. Because the arts don’t just reflect the world… they change it.

Drama for Life is committed to supporting vulnerable children in the City of Johannesburg. To this end, we actively support the Merchants of Light. We encourage all Drama for Life Community members and friends to make a donation to this extraordinary organisation that feeds children. Send your donation to:

Merchants of Light
First National Bank [FNB]
A/C: 630 205 38 542
Swift Code: FIRNZAJJ

How will you use your 67 minutes? 🤲

Drama for Life presents its 18th Conference and Festival: FOOTSTEPS ON FIRE 🔥👣 Reclaiming the legacy of 1976 to now, usi...
16/07/2026

Drama for Life presents its 18th Conference and Festival: FOOTSTEPS ON FIRE 🔥👣 Reclaiming the legacy of 1976 to now, using youth, democracy and theatre as living protest.

22-23 September 2026.

➡️ SUBMIT YOUR ABSTRACTS by 1 AUGUST 2026. Find more info about the 2026 Conference theme on our website: https://www.dramaforlife.co.za/events/drama-for-life-2026-conference-festival-footsteps-on-fire

Find the Abstract submission link here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfXHufO89G7Wc4Xo2ytyMoCa1yPhZBk2c9K23gkV66D3g69gA/viewform

Epic things to come 😍

Address

University Corner, 17th Floor, Corner Jorrisen And Jan Smuts
Johannesburg
2050

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 17:00

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