A plea for help

PNG theatre study: A plea for help

Together with two other students of social anthropology and sociology I have been granted a three-months scholarship to study the recent development of theatre groups in Papua New Guinea, starting at the end of September this year. We are interested in all aspects concerning intentions, working methods, traditions, forms and problems of theatre and its contributions to the

development of the country.

Our study will not be carried out as a strictly scientific re search, as a three-months stay sets narrow limits. The intention of our scholarship program rather is to give students who later might work in the field of development co-operation the chance of a personal encounter with life in a Third World country under a certain aspect.

We chose “theatre” as a

subject for our study project because we recognise it as an element in cultural deve lopment which is not imposed from outside but mainly based on traditions and ideas originat ing in PNG.

Could anyone help us in establishing contacts? We also would be really grateful for any other assistance which could enable us to find access and understanding to the people of PNG as well as our subject.

Stephanie Gohler

Hartengrube 18/5 2400 Lubeck West Germany