The missing links: A South African perspective on the theories of health in drama therapy

•We examine African definitions of health, disease and community.•We compare and contrast African notions of health to those of Western drama therapy.•We propose an integration of African healing systems and drama therapy.•We find spirituality to be a point of difference between African and Western definitions of health.

The following paper is the writer's first attempt to answer the question, “Is drama therapy for the South African”? The writer begins by arguing for a perspective in drama therapy that can fully accommodate the whole South African. It argues for an integration of the already existing traditional health and healing systems in South Africa, with the concepts proposed by drama therapy in its variations. The writer explores the notions of health in the South African context and defines them in relation to the definitions of health proposed by various drama therapy approaches. Other related concepts such as community and disease are defined, thus challenging drama therapy to seek a more holistic approach to health and healing such that the whole South African can be fully accommodated in drama therapy interventions. The writer uses literature from African scholars, philosophers, psychologists and medical doctors as well as from American and European researchers and drama therapists to aid her exploration.