Dr. Rama Mani
Peacebuilder, Poet and Performance Artist,
Specialist in Global Security and Transformative Leadership
Founder of Theatre of Transformation Academy
Convenor of Enacting Global Transformation Initiative,
at the Centre for International Studies, University of Oxford
Kosmos Journal Article:
'Theatre of Transformation' by Rama Mani,
in the Fall/Winter 2016 Edition of Kosmos Journal
read article | download article
European Business Review
featuring Rama Mani on 11 April 2016,
Also Featured in EBR Special Issue 2015 on ‘Female Leaders in Our Times’
read article
Theatre of Transformation is an innovative interactive forum to address critical global challenges and shape our shared future.
Theatre of Transformation invites us to witness what is, to imagine what can be, and to enact the change we need in our lives and in the world.
It combines the Power of Art with the Power of Politics to catalyze our capacity for societal and personal transformation, through an engaging process of testimony, dialogue and creative interaction.
Theatre of Transformation uses the medium of enacted testimonies and poems to bring to life the critical global issues we face, and unveil possible pathways of transformation. The testimonies and poems are based on real people Rama has collaborated with and situations she has encountered in conflict-affected areas and diverse parts of the world. The testimonies reveal the reality of man-made destruction as well as the capacity of the human spirit to transcend and transform suffering into strength. They indicate that transformation is always possible, whatever the circumstances.
Theatre of Transformation is designed for: - Leaders in politics, business, international and civic organizations; - Policy makers, academics, and professionals; - Women pioneers and change makers; - Youth, students and transformation agents;
Participants from highly diverse backgrounds are lastingly impacted by sessions of Theatre of Transformation. They experience awakened empathy, heightened creativity and revived commitment as they witness the causes and consequences of today’s crises on distant others and their own lives. Through the facilitated process of creative interaction and integral dialogue following the enactment, they discover the potential for change in their own lives, organizations and communities. They begin to forge innovative and collective responses to transform crises to opportunities and shape new possibilities for the future.
Over 100 tailor-made events of Theatre of Transformation on diverse global themes have been offered since 2014 in countries all over the world – including USA, Canada, Brazil, UK, Switzerland, France, Norway, USA, India, and South Africa. Host and partner organizations ranged from United Nations agencies, international and humanitarian organisations, universities, policy institutes and cultural and diplomatic institutions. Audiences and participants included political leaders, diplomats, business leaders, international professionals, women change makers, journalists, scholars, humanitarian workers, war-affected populations, survivors of violence, refugees, women and peace activists, and youth host organizations.
Peace and Solidarity missions
Rama undertakes peace, solidarity and fact-finding missions to war zones and crisis areas, in close collaboration with inspiring local leaders and trusted grassroots organisations. Her missions support affected communities, especially women, youth, refugees and displaced populations, and chronicle survivors’ stories. Many of these stories are then portrayed in her performances, evoking the empathy and support of distant audiences, and raising funds for further peace missions, thus forging new circles of solidarity.
Voices, Visions and Wisdom Workshops
In countries in crisis and with refugee and displaced populations, Rama offers workshops that provide a safe, nurturing and transformative space for people to voice their stories and concerns. Participants are also encouraged to express and embody their visions for their own lives and for their societies. In the process, they distil and articulate the wisdom and strength that has emerged from their traumatic and painful experiences. Rama also provides mentoring and co-mentoring to people affected by conflict, either one-on-one or in small groups.
Courageous Humanitarian Initiatives
Honoraria raised through programmes or donations made at events support courageous grassroots and humanitarian projects Rama has been deeply inspired by which save lives and sustain communities. They also support the global transformation initiatives in which Rama is personally engaged. Supporters are also encouraged to learn about the remarkable work of these organisations and donate directly to them.
Pioneering Transformative Organizations
Rising Women Rising World: together with Dr. Scilla Elworthy, Founder of PeaceDirect and Oxford Research Group and thrice nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize, and Prof. Jean Houston, Founder of Social Artistry and the Co-Founder of the Human Potential Movement, Rama is the Co-Founder of this new global women’s initiative that aims "to co-create a world that works for all". Rama also leads the Constellation dedicated to transforming global governance.
Since 2014, Rama was been invited by a diverse range of host and partner organizations to offer a total of over 100 Theatre of Transformation events on diverse global themes. She has collaborated with:
The United Nations & other international & governmental organizations:
United Nations Office in Geneva; UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), UN Centre for Trade & Development (UNCTAD); UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA); Joint UNEP-OCHA Environmental Emergencies Unit;, International Organization for Migration (IOM); Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU); British Houses of Parliament.
Corporate Leadership Summits and Forums:
Global Female Leaders Summit (Berlin); Human Resources Summit (Istanbul); Global Leadership Network (Rio de Janeiro); World Investment Forum (United Nations, Geneva); TedX Women Covent Garden, (London).
Cultural Institutions and Festivals:
The Oxford Literary Festival; The Ashmolean Museum, (Oxford); Winnipeg Art Gallery; the French Consul and l’Institut Francais in Istanbul; World Women Festival (Oslo); Mahmoud Darwich Museum (Ramallah); Place to B for COP 21: UN Climate Change Conference (Paris).
International Foundations and Non-Governmental Organizations:
World Future Council; Initiatives of Change; Right Livelihood Award Foundation; Women in International Security and Conflict Management (WISCOMP); CORO-India, Vimochana.
Academic and Policy Institutions:
University of Oxford; University of Geneva; Graduate Institute, Geneva; Geneva Centre for Security Policy; University of Dundee; University of Winnipeg; St. Gallen University; Jawaharlal Nehru University; Jindal Global University; Lebanese University; Dar Al Kalima University College, Bethlehem; Indus Training and Research Institute, Bangalore.