MA Student Presents Pecha Kucha at ASSITEJ Cradle of Creativity International Conference

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Masters student in Drama and Performance Studies Ms Lungile Mncube recently delivered a Pecha Kucha presentation at the International Association of Theatre for Children and Young People (ASSITEJ) World Congress in Cape Town.

Her presentation examined the influence of social networks in a society once dominated by oral tradition storytelling. It also scrutinised some of the impacts of both oral tradition storytelling and social network ‘storytelling’, on the audience. It further questioned the relevance of the latter in the 21st century.

Mncube was also part of the two week long Next Generation Residency within the Congress, which  saw her engaging with 30 emerging artists from around the world.

‘That was an amazing experience. We learned from one another, growing together while also discovering new knowledge in the process. This residency was important because it made us realise what happens in other countries, and how other artists do things. I learned a lot from them, we networked and hopefully we will have collaborations soon.’

She believes that conferences create space for networks. ‘One gets to grow as an artist and individual, it influences the way we think and see things making you more critical and observant. I advise other Arts students to apply for conferences like this.  Now and then, try to look up on what is happening, things to be involved in, in the arts industry. It is worth it!’

As an emerging artist and performer, Mncube added, ‘No matter how different we may seem to be, whether by race, ethnicity, culture or religion, one thing remains the same. We are humans! Art has the power to bring us together! We need to focus more on our similarities, than our differences.’

Words by: Melissa Mungroo