KSMC Glocal Talk by Selloane Mokuku, Rhodes University, South Africa

Ms. Selloane Mokuku, a renowned theatre practitioner and academician from Rhodes University in South Africa, delivered a talk as part of KSMC Glocal Talks organised by KIIT School of Mass Communication. She talked on “Taking p(art)icipation serioUSly for enhanced communication: Insights from Applied Theatre.” The webinar was a first-of-its-kind event under the KSMC Glocal Talks, an initiative which is a part of Participatory Media course offered at the School in the Master’s programme.

In her talk, Mokuku emphasized that participation is a process which is ongoing and should thrive from interactive participatory engagement of the general public, in the practice of applied theatre. She highlighted the different methods of inclusivity and self representation which enable audiences to have a voice.

Dr. Rajeev Kuamar Panda, School Coordinator talked about the significance of hosting events on a global scale as KIIT is making a mark with global rankings in its Silver Jubilee year. The event was conceptualized by international students who are in the second year Master’s program, from Mali and Lesotho, he added.

In participatory media the audience plays an active role in the process of collecting, reporting and analysing content. The course instructor, Dr. Bidu Bhusan Dash, spoke about the importance of participatory processes and the initiative run by the students, where they cover developmental issues in the Global South, mainly; Latin American, African and South Asian countries.

The event ended with a question and answer session. Dr. Anurag Sahu, Assistant Professor and mentor to the students concluded the event with a vote of thanks. Modibo Dicko from Mali and Siziwe Mpopo from Lesotho, international students of KSMC, moderated the programme.