South African Theatre Journal
Scope & Guideline
Advancing Critical Dialogue in Performing Arts
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Exploration of African Performance Traditions:
The journal focuses on the examination of traditional and contemporary African performance practices, including folk traditions, rituals, and festivals, highlighting their significance in the cultural fabric of the continent. - Postcolonial Perspectives in Theatre:
It provides critical analyses of how postcolonial narratives shape theatrical expressions, reflecting on identity, heritage, and the socio-political landscape of South Africa and its neighbors. - Interdisciplinary Approaches to Performance Studies:
The journal encourages interdisciplinary research that intersects theatre with other fields such as sociology, psychology, and cultural studies, fostering a holistic understanding of performance. - Focus on Social Issues and Activism:
Many publications address pressing social issues such as displacement, identity, race, and gender, emphasizing the role of theatre as a medium for social commentary and change. - Training and Methodologies in Theatre Practice:
Research on pedagogical approaches and training methodologies for actors, directors, and theatre practitioners is a key focus, contributing to the development of theatre education in South Africa.
Trending and Emerging
- Intersection of Technology and Performance:
There is a growing focus on the integration of technology in performance, including digital storytelling and the use of online platforms, reflecting how the theatre landscape is adapting to contemporary modes of engagement. - Youth and Identity in Performance:
Recent works emphasize the exploration of youth culture and identity, particularly how young performers navigate their roles within a post-colonial context, indicating a shift towards engaging younger demographics. - Emphasis on Emotional and Psychological Realism:
Emerging themes explore the psychological dimensions of character portrayal and performance, indicating a trend towards deeper emotional engagement in theatrical practices. - Community-Based and Site-Specific Theatre:
There is an increasing interest in community-based and site-specific theatre, reflecting a desire to engage with local histories and social issues, thereby making theatre more accessible and relevant to diverse audiences. - Thematic Focus on Gender and Feminism:
Publications are increasingly addressing gender dynamics and feminist perspectives in performance, highlighting the role of women in theatre and the exploration of gender identities in contemporary narratives.
Declining or Waning
- Historical Analysis of Pre-1994 Theatre:
There seems to be a declining interest in the historical analysis of theatre prior to the end of apartheid, as contemporary themes and post-apartheid narratives gain more traction. - Traditional European Theatre Forms:
The focus on traditional European theatre forms and their adaptations appears to be waning, as the journal increasingly prioritizes African and postcolonial perspectives that resonate more with current societal issues. - Commercial Theatre and Mainstream Productions:
Research centered around commercial theatre and mainstream productions is less prominent, indicating a shift towards more experimental and socially driven forms of performance. - Focus on Purely Aesthetic Criticism:
There is a noticeable decrease in works that examine theatre solely from an aesthetic standpoint, as the journal's emphasis moves towards socio-political implications and community engagement.
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