Democratising the Theatre for Development (TfD) Space through Balancing Power Dynamics: Analysing Practice-Based Experiences from Uganda

Abstract

The awareness of power dynamics is fundamental in the implementation of a democratic Theatre for Development (TfD) process. This chapter draws from the author’s practical experiences with TfD practice in Uganda to advocate for effective balancing of the power playing plane. In the first experience, where the author participated as part of the facilitating team of the TfD project aimed at empowering small scale fish farmers, it is argued that if the funders have unrestricted power to dictate the terms of reference for TfD practice, without accommodating the views of the practitioners, it becomes difficult for practitioners to implement a truly democratic process of TfD. In another experience, in Eastern Uganda where the author participated as an invited research observer, it is observed that when the performances of power between the practitioners and the funding bodies are effectively negotiated, the TfD process, depending on the skill and ingenuity of the practitioner yields effective engagement and empowerment. The chapter urges that practitioners should always strive to establish a horizontal plane of working, in dealing with both funders and the communities with which they work. This requires practitioners to assess the impact of their actions, always negotiating and moderating the performance of power in the process.