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Mexico XVII - Communication

Communication perspectives - Mexico XVII AIDS Conference
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One Hander

Region

Global, Africa

Programme Summary

This is a play, developed by Sisonke Arts, that uses puppetry, poetry, music, and drama to explore options (other than sexual intercourse) for releasing sexual tension. Performed by two actors and puppeteers, the play focusses on masturbation as a means to help prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS.

Communication Strategies

The play is made up of a series of short scenes depicting different life situations. In one situation at the river, a boy meets a girl and they are attracted to each other. In another situation at the tavern, alcohol is shown as playing a part in spreading AIDS. An older puppet dies of AIDS at the beginning of the play and this is shown to have an impact on the sexual behaviour of the other two young puppets. They decide to masturbate. The use of language in the play is minimal; instead, it uses music to reach out to the audience. The aim of this approach is to appeal to audiences of various language groups.

Development Issues

HIV/AIDS.

Key Points

Organisers say masturbation is one of the oldest and safest methods of releasing sexual tensions. "In rural areas in South Africa, it was used to prevent pregnancy especially before marriage. A man would only penetrate the thighs of his partner not her vagina. If there was no partner he would resort to a solo performance as in using his one hand and his imagination. Since we don't have solutions to the AIDS crisis we need to look at options like masturbation."



The play was rehearsed in the Netherlands for two months. The play has been performed in the Netherlands (at the Noordezon festival, Amsterdam) and in South Africa (at various institutions including Wits Technikon).

Partners

Support provided by the Prince Claus Fund.

Contact

Macebo Mavuso
Sisonke Arts
sisonkearts@hotmail.com

Source

Letter sent from Macebo Mavuso to Soul Beat Africa on December 10 2003.

Placed on the Soul Beat Africa site December 10 2003.


Placed on the Communication Initiative site February 13 2004
Last Updated February 13 2004

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