Thinking about sustainability in Theatre for Development projects: my experience of how the politics of funding shapes TfD practice

ABSTRACT

This article examines the complexity of embedding the element of sustainability to foster successful TfD practice. I recount my own experience as a TfD practitioner in western Uganda, where, in spite of my effort to execute a sustainable TfD project, I was let down by insufficiency of funds resulting from the high handedness of the funders of my project. I argue that in order to implement a successful TfD project, there should be shared action and understanding between the practitioner and the development funders on issues pertaining to the ethics of practice and the extent of the resources needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Sustainability
• Theatre for Development
• funding
• empowerment
• Uganda

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was funded by the Government of Uganda through Kyambogo University’s competitive research grant.

Notes on contributors

Keneth Bamuturaki

Keneth Bamuturaki achieved his PhD in Drama from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom. He has presented his research on theatre and development communication and shared knowledge at various universities in Uganda and the United Kingdom and Angola. He currently teaches drama at Kyambogo University in Uganda.