Understanding a science-themed puppet theatre performance for public engagement in Thailand

Phaik Yeong Cheah,Emma Richardson,Pachararit Wismol,Nucha Charoenboon,Nattapat Jatupornpimol,Napat Khirikoekkong,Alice Hawryszkiewycz,Lorena Suarez-Idueta,Naw Htee Khu

doi:10.12688/wellcomeopenres.13239.1

Abstract

Background: Fishy Clouds, a 45-minute non-verbal touring puppet theatre show, was created with the objectives of (1) raising awareness of antimicrobial overuse and misuse (the fact that there simply is a problem), (2) raising awareness of the importance of research with children – including those involving antimicrobials, and (3) producing a science-themed performance of entertainment value and high artistic quality. The show used visual storytelling to bring the research and behaviour around antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to life for a broad range of audiences across different ages, locations, levels of education, and language. Methods: In order to understand the effectiveness of Fishy Clouds, we used a realist-informed evaluation approach. A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches (semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and field notes) were used for data collection. Results: We received a total of 880 quantitative feedback forms, conducted 22 semi-structured interviews and three focus group discussions. Our data showed that Fishy Clouds was an enjoyable performance to all audience groups and stakeholders and was generally viewed with artistic integrity. However, its effectiveness was primarily in raising existing awareness about medicine use and health more broadly, rather than specific health messaging concerning AMR and research with children. We found that those with limited background on AMR or research with children, such as school children and Karen ethnic migrants exhibited a wide range of interpretations. A science-themed theatre would function better if it is focussed on a single theme, embedded within a programme of activities and conducted at closed venues. Conclusions: Fishy Clouds showed that science theatre events have the potential to support public health programmes and engage local communities in science research.

Highlights

The Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) was established in 1979 as a research collaboration between Mahidol University in Thailand and University of Oxford in the United Kingdom
We identified four types of audience groups: (1) Bangkok theatre goers, (2) school children, (3) scientists and healthcare professionals, and (4) Karen and other ethnic migrants in Tak Province
Interviews and focus groups discussions were conducted in Thai, English, and Karen according to the language preferred by the participants

Summary

Introduction

The Mahidol Oxford Tropical Medicine Research Unit (MORU) was established in 1979 as a research collaboration between Mahidol University in Thailand and University of Oxford in the United Kingdom. Among its new programme of public engagement activities[1,2,3,4], was a collaboration between MORU and B-floor Theatre, an avant-garde Thai theatre company, to produce a non-verbal performance with a combined theme of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and research with children. This reflects the current national and international efforts to fight resistance to antimicrobials, such as drugs for malaria and tuberculosis, which has significant impacts on all levels of society with the largest impact on vulnerable groups such as children. Conclusions: Fishy Clouds showed that science theatre events have the potential to support public health programmes and engage local communities in science research

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion