Tough Topics and Kids: Using Theatre to Talk HIV/AIDS

Even after more than three decades since the first diagnosis of HIV/AIDS, Dr. Richard Tharp, PhD of Kaiser Permanente’s Educational Theatre Program in the MidAtantic States, said it is still a very controversial subject to talk about with students.

“We hear from some school districts who tell us that their kids aren’t sexually active, so they feel there’s no reason for a show like this,” Tharp said. “But the schools who have seen our production, “Secrets,” understand the value behind it. Throughout the show we use a lot of irony, humor and music, while at the same time we are giving them valuable information, so they can make the right choices. Additionally, through the magic of theatre, we are able to approach a very serious topic and begin critical conversations with students.”

This year, Kaiser Permanente’s Mid-Atlantic Educational Theatre Program celebrates 20 years of performing “Secrets,” a play for high school students that unmasks the reality behind HIV/AIDS. Students explore resisting peer pressure, positive decision-making, abstinence, parent-teen communications and resource building.

In this video, Dr.Tharp of the Mid-Atlantic Educational Theatre Program talks about how the production has changed over the last 20 years and how, through the art of theatre, they’ve been able to discuss this critical health topic with teens.

Kaiser Permanente’s ETP departments are committed to working with schools and nonprofit organizations to pinpoint issues and customize services specific to their needs. Each of Kaiser Permanente’s eight regions has its own ETP program which provides multiple interventions into the community. The programs are developed by theatre professionals in collaboration with health educators, community advisory committees and Kaiser Permanente physicians. The performances cover important health topics, such as healthy eating, physical activity, diversity, peer pressure, conflict management, bullying prevention, domestic violence, dealing with grief and loss, depression, sexually transmitted diseases, literacy promotion, and drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse.

 

Source: http://centerfortotalhealth.org/2013/tough-topics-and-kids-using-theatre-to-talk-hivaids/

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