AEGiS-14IAC: For the love of life -- theatre against AIDS.

14th International AIDS Conference


Barcelona, Spain - July 7-12, 2002

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For the love of life -- theatre against AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS 2002 Jul 7-12; 14:(abstract no. ThOrE1458)

Barrios ME, Quino J
Labyrinth Theatre and Puppets, Mexico City, Mexico

ISSUES: Theater workshops as a means of education, prevention, information and sensitization about HIV/AIDS; use of theatrical events to raise awareness about issues.

DESCRIPTION: Since 1988 Labyrinth Theatre & Puppets (LTP) has created presentations using puppets and actors in workshops, courses and conferences about HIV/AIDS. We endeavor to reach the most isolated communities using the creative paths that theatre offers to bring them clear, precise information. We created three shows that we took on tour, beginning the first massive campaigns about HIV/AIDS in Tabasco, in the communities along the river Usumacinta on a boat. We also toured Colima; Chiapas, including Zapatista territory and the Guatemala border; and border towns along both sides of the Mexico-U.S. border. We have performed for at least 3525 people on the roof of the riverboat, in theatres, schoolrooms, on soccer fields, in bars, discos, streets and plazas. Since 1994 LTP joined with Theatre & AIDS. Together we founded an annual Theatre & AIDS Festivals. Our work has received recognition by UNAIDS, UNAM and the Rockefeller Foundation.

ISSUES: The use of puppets is an excellent educational method that sensitizes the public through dramatic play. Theatre creates a point of entry into different communities and helps sensitize the attendees to the issues, especially issues that are difficult to address like sexuality and HIV/AIDS. The importance of theatre as didactic material is that it allows spectators of all ages to look at concrete situations and think, "what would I do in the same situation?"

RECOMMENDATIONS: Continue supporting creative projects; provide opportunities in different scientific and educative forums to make creative proposals; invite theatrical groups to present at congresses, symposia, and large conferences.

Keywords: AEGIS, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, HIV Infections, Drama, Love, Health Education, Sex Behavior, Life, Sex Education, Congresses, HIV Seropositivity, Play and Playthings, United States, Mexico, Guatemala, EducationKWDaegis,acquiredimmunodeficiencysyndrome,hivinfections,drama,love,healtheducation,sexbehavior,life,sexeducation,congresses,hivseropositivity,playandplaythings,unitedstates,mexico,guatemala,education

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ThOrE1458

Copyright © 2002 - International AIDS Society (IAS). Reproduction of this abstract (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the IAS.