Abstract:
This paper positions Community Theatre as an agency for development and education based on the educational
principles of Freire and Boal’s Theatre for Development. The paper argues that Appreciative Inquiry can enrich the
practice of Community Theatre by approaching HIV and AIDS education as an asset-based, participatory, inclusive,
learner-centred approach. The paper hypothesises that the infusion of the 4-D process of Appreciative Inquiry into
Community Theatre processes aimed at HIV and AIDS education will enhance young people’s agency as active
participants and agents of change in their communities beyond the didactic notions inherent in ABC education
approaches to HIV prevention. The paper argues that this approach can encourage meaningful participation and
critical consciousness amongst young people in the HIV prevention response.
