Community street theatre as a tool for interventions on alcohol use and other behaviors related to HIV risks

Abstract

This paper presents data on the role and implementation of street theatre as a communications technique for HIV behavioral interventions in low income slum communities in Mumbai. Second, we situate the uses of street theatre as a social intervention strategy within a long history of outdoor drama as entertainment and social action in India. Street theatre with accompanying activities was a central element of the RISHTA project's communications strategy in communities in Mumbai, designed to deliver tailored risk reduction messages to married men who were involved in extramarital relationships. The paper presents examples of the contents and delivery of alcohol risk reduction messages through street plays that were developed and performed by actors from low income communities. The paper situates street plays as part of the domain of prevention strategies, which can be effective in reducing HIV risks, including those related to alcohol use.