About Seka

 

 

Philosophy
 

     We believe:

• Human beings and bio-diversity can co-exist peacefully

• Culture is a critical aspect of any development programme

• A well-conceived theatre piece can do in 15 minutes what 3000 hectares of flipcharts cannot achieve

• Educational theatre does not need to patronize, over simplify or lecture its audience

• People are the agents of their own change

• Communities, no matter how poor, marginalised or dispossessed comprise of people. These people are capable of generating their own solutions. They have a voice, (it just needs to reach the right people). They have solutions (they just need to be heard)    

• Laughter is a way to make intimidating issues more manageable

 

 

Background to Seka
 

Seka (Sensitisation and Education through Kunda Arts) is a Zambian Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), initiated and based in the South Luangwa National Park, in eastern Zambia. It uses a unique combination of action research and participatory theatre to sensitise and educate communities on various important social and environmental issues. In addition it uses theatre as an interactive research tool, which can be used to identify and channel information from communities to government, development organizations, and other decision-making bodies.

 

Seka uses theatre to generate debate within communities and amongst stakeholders in the targeted areas. By living in the targeted areas for a length of time the actor-researchers are able to fully understand the issues at stake before creating plays to address these issues. The participatory nature of the performances allows the audience to take ownership of their issues as well as to suggest and implement the solutions to these issues.

 

Seka’s theatrical use of humour, visual imagery, puppets, and local song and dance forms has earned them a reputation as an effective channel for the vocalising of community concerns. Their participatory research methodologies ensure that they get good results and are well respected in their areas of operation.

 

The group was founded out of a Community Outreach Project in partnership with Africa Resources Trust and Theatre for Africa.

They have been operating independently for 7 years, under the leadership of Msatero Tembo, Miranda Guhrs and Tamara Guhrs (grand-daughters of the late conservationist Norman Carr).