Encountering Disability and Citizenship through Contemporary Dance in Africa

After three years of research and writing and several life-changing dance exchange trips to East Africa, University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Drama and Performance Studies lecturer Dr Lliane Loots and her co-author, Professor Yvette Hutchison of The University of Warwick (UK), have published their latest book, Encountering Disability and Citizenship through Contemporary Dance in Africa (Routledge, 2026).

This book, an outcome of a UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) grant, offers an intersectional exploration of how disability is understood in relation to citizenship and critical disability studies across diverse African contexts. It examines the transformative potential of integrated dance to challenge dominant social attitudes towards disability.

Through detailed case studies of Dance into Space (Kenya), FLATFOOT and FLATFOOT Downie Dance Companies, Unmute Dance Company (South Africa) and Ugandan choreographer Joseph Tebandeke, the authors examine how contemporary dance can foster inclusive citizenship.

The book explores how ‘small moments’ in everyday life may be explored through dance in ways that shift paradigms and redefine ability and belonging. It is relevant to students and scholars in theatre studies, disability studies, African studies and critical Black studies, as well as those interested in performance as a tool for social change.

Loots said, “We are particularly excited about the OPEN ACCESS – which we fought hard for, and sought funds for, knowing that a book about African artists should be freely available to African artists and scholars.”

• The full book is available via open access at https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003506126

Words: NdabaOnline

Photographs: Val Adamson