South African Theatre Journal

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Critical Dialogue in Performing Arts

Introduction

Welcome to the South African Theatre Journal information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of South African Theatre Journal, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN1013-7548
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1996 to 2012, from 2014 to 2024
AbbreviationS AFR THEATRE J / S. Afr. Theatre J.
Frequency3 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The South African Theatre Journal serves as a platform for the exploration and analysis of theatrical practices, performance studies, and cultural expressions within a South African context. It aims to engage with various methodologies and perspectives that reflect the complexities and diversities of theatre in the region.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Recent publications in the South African Theatre Journal highlight emerging themes and trends that reflect the evolving landscape of theatre and performance in South Africa. These themes resonate with contemporary societal issues and artistic innovations.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

While the South African Theatre Journal has a robust focus on various themes, some areas appear to be diminishing in frequency or importance. This shift may reflect changing interests within the academic and theatrical communities.
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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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