Drama for Life (DFL), the acclaimed centre for applied drama and theatre at the University of the Witwatersrand, today announced its 17th annual Conference and Festival, set to ignite urgent conversations and creative action from 8 to 10 October 2025 at Wits Theatre. Under the theme “Human Change! From Global Ideals to Justice(Us)?”, this year’s event confronts the pressing question: In a world unravelling under political turmoil, migration crises, climate catastrophe, and rising authoritarianism, how can we redefine humanity, inspire radical change, and bridge global ideals with local realities?

At a time of global fractures, the Conference and Festival positions the applied arts and arts therapies as vital tools for healing, defiance, and bold reimagination. Participants will delve into justice as a dynamic, embodied practice—Justice(Us)—co-created through community-rooted dialogue and performance. From applied drama and theatre to expressive arts therapies, dance, and embodied practices, the event explores what it means to be human and how we must evolve for equitable futures.

“This is a clarion call for artists, scholars, activists, and changemakers to step into the fray,” said Dr. Sibongile Bhebhe, Deputy Head of Department, Drama for Life. “Through embodied arts, we are building Justice(Us)—a collective force that transforms pain into power and ideals into action.”

The hybrid conference-festival format promises an immersive blend of rigorous academic discourse, electrifying performances, hands-on workshops, and somatic experiences, making it a must-attend for those committed to social transformation. 

Key highlights include:

•  Core Themes: Human Change, Justice, Global Ideals, and the innovative lens of Justice(Us).

•  Dynamic Sessions: Arts-based strategies to counter trauma, repression, and authoritarianism; decolonial and indigenous pathways to meaningful change; navigating human futures amid the Fourth Industrial Revolution (with a spotlight on AI’s ethical implications); the role of applied arts in education, migration, displacement, and mental health; and collaborative performances driving societal shifts. 

Visit www.dramaforlife.co.za for more information and to secure your place. To register :

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdUhIBOqcqxh3LJOvJHD6f-mYEOtEjvpXFOJHNsNPO703pa_Q/viewform

About Drama for Life

Drama for Life, housed at the University of the Witwatersrand, is a global leader in applied drama, theatre, and expressive arts therapies. For over 16 years, DFL has empowered communities worldwide through innovative programmes that harness the arts for social justice, health, and human rights. By blending academic rigour with creative praxis, DFL fosters resilience and transformation in the face of adversity.

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Website: www.dramaforlife.co.za

Bridget - bridget@thebuzhive.co.za or 0832636991