Drama: An Effective Way to Educate about AIDS

Abstract

Family Service of Philadelphia introduced a drama entitled AIDS: Our Fears Our Hopes in November 1986 to provide correct basic information about AIDS and to help viewers understand the many problems facing persons with AIDS (PWAs). Even though AIDS is spreading to people outside the traditional risk groups i.e. homosexuals and intravenous (IV) drug users the public continues to deny the immediate relevance and threat of AIDS because of the social stigma attached to its prevalence among ostracized groups. Further fears created by the AIDS epidemic often inhibit well informed peoples ability to approach the disease rationally. Family Service staff and other interested individuals designed the play to balance the rational and emotional aspects of learning. Characters of the play included a male homosexual and a former wife of an IV drug user. Infants and children with AIDS are discussed. It was important that the play not overload the audience with information in order to be effective. In order to reinforce or even bring to the surface emotions encountered by the audience a trained professional appeared after the play to lead a discussion tailored for the audience. 3 different groups have viewed the play: professional groups community organizations and business groups. Family Service has begun a concerted effort to expand its community education about AIDS by targeting youth including their parents and teachers. Finally this play has increased attendance by PWAs their lovers and families in the agencys AIDS counseling programs.