Abstract

Popular theatre uses indigenous dance, songs, poetry and drama to involve communities in an examination of their problems. The purpose of this project is to examine popular theatre as a form of nonformal education for rural development in Cameroon and other African countries. Researchers will identify factors contributing to "successful" popular theatre groups; develop and implement a workshop for training Cameroonian theatre and development workers in the production of popular theatre; and assess the effectiveness of the workshop method.

Post-Project Summary

In this project, the use of theatre as a means to identify, analyze, and solve rural problems was explored at a two-week workshop in Kumba from Dec. 1-16, 1984. The workshop took place at the Community Development Specialization Training School to introduce this methodology to 25 student participants. Nine resource persons were selected to direct the students; a workshop manual was prepared; and local liaison persons were chosen to help mobilize village communities. Actual field work was conducted in five villages: Kake, Kurume, Konye, Ngolo-Bolo, and Ndoi. Villagers were encouraged to participate in the dramatization and improvisation of community issues. During the second week, participants actually lived with the villagers. Regular progress review meetings were held. It was concluded that the method used was a viable means of adult education and rural awareness/mobilization. However, follow-up, and material and financial inputs were needed. An evaluation questionnaire completed by the 25 students a month later showed that the workshop had been well-received, and all were interested in follow-up work.

Recipient Institution(s)