HIV shows spread awareness
03 November 2006
Alliance India has been taking street plays and talking-doll shows to the slums of Amritsar, Punjab, to spread awareness of HIV. Huge audiences of nearly 14,000 people have watched the shows. Local newspapers and the cable network have also covered the campaign, which included 60 street plays and 50 talking-doll shows.
First, the shows drew in their audience with a rhythmic, inspiring song incorporating drumming and clapping.
Then, alongside the storyline, the audience learnt about issues like sexual reproductive health, HIV and AIDS, testing and treatment facilities in Amritsar, and drug use and its connection to HIV. The shows tried hard not to cram in too many issues and overload their audience with information. They wanted to give messages of hope, empathy and support as well.
After each show, audiences were questioned about what they had learnt and a small gift was given for every correct answer.
The theatre awareness campaign also involved five workshops with the community, peer educators and outreach workers using theatre techniques. Rapid appraisal, training NGO staff and community volunteers, community workshops and a post-campaign survey were included as well.
