Perceptions of theatre in Uganda: Impact on theory and practice

Abstract

This study was about perceptions of theatre in Uganda and their impact on theatre theory and practice. The study aimed at establishing different perceptions of theatre in Uganda, and how the perceptions had influenced theoretical and practical dimensions of theatre in Uganda. The main purpose of the study was to assess the mind-set of stakeholders towards theatre and how such mind-sets had affected theoretical, conceptual and practical issues and the body politic of theatre in Uganda. The study postulated that there was negativity towards theatre which led to apathy and later led to inadequate development of theory and practice of theatre in Uganda.

The study found out that perceptions of Theatre in Uganda were influenced by indigenous responses to colonial approaches and subsequent haphazard theatre practice in post-independent Uganda. The study used various methods like library research, questionnaires, interviews, observation, and discussion and corresponding tools of data collection in order to minimise impacts of omissions and/or commissions possible with some methods.

The importance of the study was difficult to overstate. Theatre, if promoted as a discipline of study and practice and streamlined into Government communication strategy could be optimally utilised as a means for effective development communication and community mobilisation. Enhancement of theatre for development communication could contribute to social mobilisation through policy communication, lobby and advocacy, dissemination of appropriate information and deductive learning processes. The study further avers that theatre could also contribute to poverty alleviation, human rights awareness, good governance, accountability, good cultural practices and positive cultural heritage, among others. Provision of opportunities for freeing practitioners from job seeking syndromes through equipping them with minimum tools for self-sustainability and development is also possible through a well-developed theatre profession and industry.