---

---

Sam Brakarsh read Theatre of The Oppressed eight years ago and it has become a central component of his art, scholarship, and activism ever since. He is from Zimbabwe where he cofounded the Chikukwa Research Trust and Culture Centre, focusing on sustainable governance, regenerative agriculture, and social theatre. As a ToTO practitioner, he has established a ToTO network in Zimbabwe as well as conducting trainings in Ghana, Kenya, the United States, the Philippines, and occupied Palestine. Currently, Sam is the Africa Regional Representative for Artist at Risk Connection, PEN America and coordinates the AMANI: Africa Creative Defence Network. In addition, he sits on the Mind and Life Institute’s Young Adult Advisory Council, where he also serves on the review and design committee for their international Changemaker Grant. He is a published short story writer, poet, actor, and proud high school drama teacher. He has been awarded the Dalai Lama Fellowship, ORISHA Fellowship, and Howland Fellowship for his work and research. He holds a B.A. in Sociology and Global Health from Yale University and an MSc in African Studies from Oxford University. He currently lives between Harare and New Jersey.