In 2008 I moved to Malawi for 18 months to work with NGO Theatre for a Change, using Interactive Theatre to reduce the risk of HIV amongst the most vulnerable people including teachers, young people and sex workers.
Inspired by the work of Augusto Boal, Theatre for a Change has developed an innovative program focussing on behaviour change and awareness of gender and sexual rights. Participants improvise short plays based on their experience exploring these issues and different ways of dealing with them. This is a confidence-building exercise and a 'rehearsal' for difficult, real life situations.
Performances take place in local communities. They are an excellent opportunity for the women to tell their stories and to communicate their situation and their concerns to the wider community in a non-confrontational way. They are a powerful forum for them to advocate for changes in current practice or policy. The community is involved in the development of the drama, and intervene at 'critical' moments of the play, empowering the audience to effect changes.
My ongoing work with the organisation includes a 15 minute documentary with Stephen Fry about the program in Africa and launching an online video exchage between trainee teachers in Scotland and Malawi. Please visit the website.
Agent Details - JGM, 15 Lexham Mews, London, W8 6JW