Creative synergy : using community theatre and appreciative inquiry for young people's critical participation in HIV prevention and education

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.