Through Howard University’s generous support this program has been able to come fruition. The IPTN conference falls directly in line with the University’s commitment to prepare graduates for advanced professional practice at local, national, and international levels for the solution of human problems and to become leaders in their communities. By learning the fundamentals of this innovative therapeutic modality within an international context the Howard University coalition members will be exposed to advanced Playback practitioners from over 50 countries many of whom have deep knowledge in using Playback as a therapeutic tool as well as community development.
Pangea Playback Playback Theatre is an international multi-cultural group of performers who use personal story telling and theatre as a tool to build empathy, incite dialogue and effect social change.
MEQOQO, at Rhodes University, is a Playback Theatre inspired collective. It was established in 2018. The collective is open to all Applied Theatre and non Applied Theatre students and the broader Makhanda community, thus embracing vital community engagement tenets. Each term, MEQOQO performs with and for the Rhodes University and Makhanda community. They theme and tackle diverse student centred issues. Over the years, members of MEQOQO have received training from Mammatli Thakhuli-Nzunza, Candice Steele, Cherae Halley and Warren Nebe.
KOKO!
Drama for Life, based at the University of the Witwatersrand School of Arts, is dedicated to arts for social transformation and healing. Several of Drama for Life students will be performing at the conference with their group, KOKO!, as well as sharing their insights about the use of Playback Theatre as a vehicle for positive change.