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Case Studies - Vietnam
World Population Foundation and David Glass Ensemble
http://www.creativexchange.org/hivaids/DGE
The aim of the project was to improve young people's knowledge and attitudes about sexual reproductive health issues, including HIV prevention; and to encourage healthy behaviour related to sexuality and reproductive health of young people and adolescents in Hanoi and Nghe An. The project used participatory/interactive theatre as the basis for creating a community based forum for adolescents and young people to share correct knowledge, attitudes and behaviours on safe reproductive health practices, and to actively promote the roles of young people in meeting their own needs in sexuality and reproductive health education.
Sexual reproductive health (SRH) and its attendant issues, such as HIV and AIDS, are still considered taboo subjects in Vietnamese culture. Theatre provides an avenue through which subject matter can be aired in public without threatening cultural sensitivities. Although the subject matter is depersonalised, the story lines can still resonate with the lived experiences of the audiences and provide an avenue for the dissemination of accurate information about sensitive issues that would not otherwise be available to many disadvantaged groups.
Interactive theatre depends on interaction between performers and the audience. The audience is involved in the story line and in subsequent discussions. Thus, they can receive accurate information and can also be engaged in a process that encourages them to develop their own solutions to everyday dilemmas associated with SRH.