Reclaiming language and form in Malawian theatre: a decolonial approach at the University of Malawi

This paper examines the decolonization of theatre practices at the University of Malawi, focusing on the author’s efforts to shift from English language and Eurocentric theatrical traditions towards a vibrant celebration of indigenous languages and performance forms. Historically, Malawian theatre–particularly in university settings–has privileged English and Western aesthetics as markers of sophistication, thereby perpetuating colonial hierarchies in creative expression. Building on Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s theory of decolonizing African theatre (Thiong'o, N.w., 1986. Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Theatre. Oxford: James Curry), the paper explores the transformative potential of using local languages and traditional performance styles as central modes of artistic creation. Drawing from three collaboratively created productions – Uzimba Usimbe Wako (Sing Your Praises), The Curse of the Hyena, and Malawi – the paper demonstrates how integrating traditional Malawian performance elements fosters theatre that authentically reflects local experiences and identities. Using a reflective, practice-led qualitative approach, the paper draws on my own practice as a theatre educator, alongside insights from students and colleagues, to illustrate how a decolonial agenda has influenced their experiences and reshaped both the broader theatre landscape at the University of Malawi. Through this reflective process, I examine my personal challenges and successes to underscore the critical importance of decolonizing theatre education in Malawi. The article argues that reclaiming indigenous languages and performance forms is essential for empowering marginalized voices and advancing cultural decolonization within the arts. Ultimately, it advocates for a theatre practice that not only embodies local identities but also contests the hegemony of Western standards, fostering a new generation of theatre practicioners grounded in Malawian cultural identity.