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After nearly 28 years, The Communication Initiative (The CI) Global is entering a new chapter. Following a period of transition, the global website has been transferred to the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits) in South Africa, where it will be administered by the Social and Behaviour Change Communication Division. Wits' commitment to social change and justice makes it a trusted steward for The CI's legacy and future.
 
Co-founder Victoria Martin is pleased to see this work continue under Wits' leadership. Victoria knows that co-founder Warren Feek (1953–2024) would have felt deep pride in The CI Global's Africa-led direction.
 
We honour the team and partners who sustained The CI for decades. Meanwhile, La Iniciativa de Comunicación (CILA) continues independently at cila.comminitcila.com and is linked with The CI Global site.
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Published 22 years ago
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DramaBeat - South Africa

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Created by Shoestring Theatre, "DramaBeat" is a live performance that aims to celebrate the South African spirit while providing educational entertainment. The show uses the audience to provide a live soundtrack for the theatre performance. "The interactive drumming helps to bond the audience and involve them in the messages of the play."
Communication Strategies
"DramaBeat" combines two methods of communication, Interactive Drumming and Industrial Theatre.

The theatrical story is set in a work place, such as a mine, factory, or office (depending on the needs of the audience). Each audience member has a drum or a can under his or her seat to foster participation in the drumming. The show can be customised to deal with various development issues, e.g., HIV/AIDS or safety, health, and environment (SHE) in the workplace and at home.

The actors introduce the leader of the group as the "CAN-MAN", who shows the audience how to play different rhythms together. Eventually the audience chants the words: "I CAN, You CAN, We CAN, South AfriCAN!!!" "This constitutes the climax of the play/interactive drumming session, resulting in an uplifted, excited audience infused with the African Spirit of "imbumba" or "strength in togetherness."
Development Issues
HIV/AIDS, Safety, Health and Environment (SHE).
Key Points
Organisers say that the play draws on the fact that, as South Africans, they have already shown the world that they have unique problem-solving skills.
Sources

Letter sent from Marie Beytell to Soul Beat Africa on December 11 2003.