Composite Awareness Program (CAP) of the Theatre for Research Education & Empowerment (TREE) is a drama-based communication package. TREE adopts the traditional folk theatre style. It informs as well as generates interest to know more or to examine one's knowledge about AIDS, involving the audience in a post-performance free discussion and question-answer session.
A concert of traditional music is the initial attraction to draw people together in public areas (markets, parks, train stations, Bus Station, Office Area, University & College campus, Hospital compound, Brothel, Auditorium, etc.). The 1 hour drama, "BANCHAR GAAN," is followed by a performer prompted and facilitated discussion session. Questions raised and answered during the performance include: What AIDS is?; How it spreads, how does not?; What should & should not be done if one is HIV positive?; What can be done for the affected one?; How to prevent AIDS?
HIV/AIDS
In more cases than not, education in Bangladesh is basically a one-way system without much reciprocity: from teacher to student, from environment to individual, from electronic media to audience. TREE is based on the premise that education would be more effective & reproductive if being based on Inter Personal Communication (IPC). ''Know AIDS for no AIDS" Theatre enjoys a rich tradition & great popularity in Bangladesh.
Letter from Raju Ahmed to The Communication Initiative.