Theatre for Decision Makers

Taking the people’s voice to leaders….  From protest to engagement… providing platforms for dialogue between differing positions… 

Arts for Action has a holistic approach to change. When working with communities, we firmly believes in the power of ownership in the creative and change process, where theatre is created with for and by communities. We also work to influence change at a systemic, policy level, engaging policy and decision makers.

 ‘Theatre for Decision Makers’ was conceived and developed in Malawi as a response to the food crisis in 2002. The dominant narrative at the time supported the lie that 40,000 people died because Malawi suffered a food shortage caused by drought and flooding, when in fact political and economic interest conspired to stock pile maize meant for storage in the nation’s grain reserves, and release it back on the market at unaffordable prices.

Examples of past theatre for Decision Makers Projects: 

• Playing with Food
• Accidental Death of Democracy
• Nora’s Sisters
• Tariro
• The Movement of the People
• Women and  Leadership  (Forum theatre for women standing for election in partnership with Women’s Campaign International)

Training in Theatre for Decision Makers is best when within a designed programme, but courses or workshops can be made available for students, institutions or organisations. Training incorporates history of political theatre in development contexts, review of protest, analysis of decision-maker behaviour in relation to movements for change, mode of engagement, developing partnerships, funding frameworks, tone and language, narrative provocation, facilitation, research and evaluation, ripple effects, affecting public discourse.

Projects are tailor made with partners and expert advice can be provided in this area on request.