Theatizing AIDS in Local Communities: Lessons Learnt

Abstract

The abundance of information on even such deadly menace as AIDS has not resulted in proportionate change of behaviour.  One of the arguments is that probably the methods being used to communicate may not be as effective as they are expected to be.  This paper elaborates on an approach adopted by the Tanzania AIDS Project (TAP) of using community-based and originated theatre methodology for its AIDS intervention work.  TAP based its approach on the assumption that in view of what is generally known about AIDs, it is the local communities that can best express how they have bee “touched” by the incidence of the epidemic.  All in All, 18 different community plays were produced, each reflecting the peculiar concerns of the community.  The process in putting together of two plays is described in detail as an example of the general methodology.  There is also a summary of major lessons learnt as a consequence.