Not safe for work (NSFW) : persons living with HIV : a study of a socially engaged theatre work-in-progress

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the most severe health challenges that affect the lives of an increasingly large number of people in the World. Lack of information, stigma, and marginalization of people with HIV are serious challenges that prevent early diagnostic of HIV infections and timely interventions that can improve the conditions of the affected people and the transmission of HIV. The existing body of research provides some evidence about the potential of socially engaged arts to expand knowledge, influence attitudes and empower participants to regularly take tests and visitors to understand and accept people affected by HIV. However, studies in this domain are scant and usually conducted in the areas with the highest prevalence of the HIV epidemic. Due to the limited evidence and the need to examine the potential of socially engaged arts in empowering people with HIV, this study examined and presented the initial results from an experimental theatre production focusing on participatory design and co-creation by applying a mixed method research design. A set of structured interviews with the participants, and discussions during the experimental reading session were used to study participants’ experiences, complementing pre-, and post-reading survey results of this small sample of participants. Results demonstrate very high interest in and expectations from socially engaged arts and a particular value of participatory design and co-creation during the development of the evaluated artistic creation.