This thesis examines the use of the participatory forum theater methodology for HIVIAIDS education in a factory in Durban, 2003. This thesis provides an overview of some of the contemporary theories of behavior change and how EE is used in development communication. EE strategies and theories of communication and behavior change underpin the design and practice of the PST (Problem Solving Theatre) project (which is the case study for this thesis.
This thesis describes the process of the PST project, the research of the environment in the selected factory site, the prevailing knowledge and attitudes towards HIVIAIDS, the creation of an appropriate theater forum, and observations and comments on the performance in the factory. Most EE interventions are theory-based and this thesis will include a brief overview and analysis of some of the theories and models most commonly used in health promotion campaigns. This includes an exploration of the concepts of behavior change and communication for development and change.
I will then describe how these experiences and theoretical models informed the design and implementation of the Problem Solving Theater (PST) project, which is the case study for this dissertation. The process of the PST project is presented in three sections: formative research with the audience (factory workers and management) to determine the prevailing attitudes towards HIV/AIDS; the informed creation and execution of the forum theater model; and summative research to determine the effectiveness of the intervention.
CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK
Social change can occur at the level of the individual, organization or society (Singhal and Rogers, 1999). The definition of the enabling factors indicates the difference between the three categories of behavior change theory. There are benefits to using the performing arts as a medium to encourage social change and development.
In South Africa, government and commercial interests have exploited the use of traditional cultural forms “in the service of the dominant ideology” (Coplan, 1987:9). Through genuine participation in the theater process, participants can come to an agreement about the nature of the meaning implied by the theater product. These wildcards ensure that the forum's participation and problem-solving process are authentic.
A contemporary understanding of the communication process recognizes the role of ideology and culture in encoding and decoding messages (Tomaselli, 1992; Parker, Dalrymple and Durden, 1998; Mersham and Baker, 2002). In more participatory forms of communication, the meaning of the message is less controlled. For the intervention to be successful, the goals of the theater intervention must be clearly defined.
This provides for the synthesis of the background of the audience (receivers) and the communicative intention of the message senders.
CASE STUDY: THE PST PROJECT
CONCLUSION
Experience in health education suggests that individuals will learn and understand more if they do so. Active involvement in the theater process facilitates the reconsideration of assumptions and can change both beliefs and behavior (Dalrymple and Preston-Whyte, 1995). Forum theater invites spectators to participate in the process, but only on the terms set by the actors (and by the methodology itself).
A number of these limitations arose in the process of the PST forum at the factory. Women felt that they were not enabled to participate fully in the forum, and older men were encouraged to take the stage above younger men. In the second performance of the PST forum, the audience of healthcare professionals, who have received more formal education than the factory workers, may be more removed from those traditions.
This study shows that romantic notions of community have no place in the fragmented, industrialized context of Pinetown in 2003. This potential was not realized in the PST project's intervention, but can succeed with sufficient commitment and support from both the workforce and management. In conclusion, the use of the forum theater methodology is effective in creating problems and clarifying some questions about HIV/AIDS.
Participants were able to air their own opinions, share their understanding of HIV/AIDS issues and give meaning to the concepts discussed in the forum:-:-. The audience was actively engaged in the process of creating meaning through the forum and negotiating relevant and feasible solutions. The team's continued presence at the plant would keep the issue top of mind and both workers and management would be supported in their efforts.
Workplace interventions should be aligned with community-based programs to ensure that there are no conflicting beliefs and that there is a general movement towards changing the current social context that is causing the increasing prevalence of HIV. What can we do in the factory to stay healthy and aware of HIV/AIDS. You know, I'm a busy man, I was up very late last night, and in the morning it's very hard to part with that beautiful girl, uNomsa.
The actors introduce extras and force them to take taxis on the way to work. Makeke catches his arm in the car and he falls to the floor in pain.
Father and son
