UKZN’s CCA and the State Theatre Partner to Promote Democratic Dialogues

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The Centre for Creative Arts (CCA) within the College of Humanities and the South African State Theatre have partnered to produce a monthly online programme to drive participatory engagement about the arts, human rights, social justice, and democracy.

CCA Director Dr Ismail Mahomed, and CEO of the State Theatre, Dr Sibongiseni Mkhize are working hand-in-hand on this project.

In 2021, the CCA produced the Artfluencing Human Rights Arts Festival, which led to the Artfluencing Democracy Dialogues, resulting in more than 50 000 social media engagements, demonstrating the value of a sustained platform for artists and audiences to discuss how the arts can address contemporary socio-political issues throughout the year.

In support of Artfluencing Democracy Dialogues, a team of young interns at the CCA will research and produce the dialogues, empowering them with skills, knowledge, and experience in digital technology, communication, and South African socio-political issues.

The South African State Theatre’s mission is to be a vibrant, dynamic arts and culture institution that intertwines social and cultural diversity and maintains a healthy balance between artistic creativity and fiscal stability.

Speaking about the collaboration, Mohamed said that the State Theatre is known for its theatrical productions that creatively and courageously confront South Africa’s complexities.

‘From productions that creatively iconised South Africans like Winnie Mandela and Solomon Kalushi Mahlangu to giving a voice to a new generation of young South Africans, the South African State Theatre has built a repertoire of work that has been catalytic in advancing a discussion on our democracy. Within the university environment, reflection on their work is vital for both archival and scholastic purposes,’ he said.

A team of professionals from the State Theatre will work with the CCA interns to improve their ability to function in a competitive and ever-changing employment environment.

Full details will be announced in the inaugural episode of the project that will be live-streamed on the CCA’s YouTube channel.

https://www.youtube.com/centreforcreativearts and on the South African State Theatre YouTube Channel

https://youtube.com/c/TheSouthAfricanStateTheatre on Monday 28 February 2022 at 10h00

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Supplied