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Advocacy in Action - International AIDS Society

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<strong>Advocacy</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Card 6<br />

Persuad<strong>in</strong>g through drama<br />

INFORMATION<br />

CARD<br />

Introduction<br />

Drama is usually associated with <strong>in</strong>formation, education and communication (IEC) more than advocacy. It<br />

becomes an advocacy method when:<br />

• The general public has been identified as an ‘<strong>in</strong>direct target’ who will go on to <strong>in</strong>fluence<br />

a direct target – for example, subjects of a chief who will <strong>in</strong>fluence the chief<br />

• Influential people are <strong>in</strong> the audience – for example, m<strong>in</strong>isters watch<strong>in</strong>g a young<br />

people’s performance.<br />

Drama can also be used <strong>in</strong> plann<strong>in</strong>g advocacy work, especially to <strong>in</strong>volve beneficiaries (the people<br />

affected by the advocacy issue). Drama is useful <strong>in</strong> identify<strong>in</strong>g and analys<strong>in</strong>g issues, develop<strong>in</strong>g solutions<br />

and identify<strong>in</strong>g targets and allies.<br />

Drama is an effective advocacy method because it can br<strong>in</strong>g a theoretical issue to life, mak<strong>in</strong>g it<br />

emotionally powerful, more <strong>in</strong>terest<strong>in</strong>g, easy to understand and relevant to people’s lives. In some<br />

situations, a play is more likely to be noticed and memorable than a written report. It can be a useful way<br />

to <strong>in</strong>volve a wide range of people with very different levels of analytical skills and experience at local,<br />

national and <strong>in</strong>ternational level.<br />

Drama by itself can be a powerful way to convey messages and persuade people of our po<strong>in</strong>ts of view. Its<br />

impact can be <strong>in</strong>creased by add<strong>in</strong>g activities that <strong>in</strong>volve the audience. For example, discussions can be<br />

held after the performance, or ‘forum theatre’ can be used, <strong>in</strong> which the audience is <strong>in</strong>vited to explore<br />

possible courses of action for the characters.<br />

<strong>Advocacy</strong> <strong>in</strong> <strong>Action</strong> Card 6 Persuad<strong>in</strong>g through drama<br />

Drama can address sensitive issues that are difficult to talk about. It can also be used as evidence to<br />

support an issue. Performances can be video-taped to share with people <strong>in</strong> positions of <strong>in</strong>fluence who<br />

cannot attend a live performance.<br />

Note:<br />

All of the above can also apply to other art forms – for example, songs and story-tell<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

Advantages<br />

✔ Drama is an easily understood<br />

and commonly used means of<br />

communication.<br />

✔ No need for literacy.<br />

✔ Good for <strong>in</strong>volv<strong>in</strong>g people at<br />

community level.<br />

✔ Can be more powerful than written<br />

advocacy at any level.<br />

✔ It captures emotions, personal<br />

experiences and other people’s<br />

po<strong>in</strong>ts of view which are difficult to<br />

convey by us<strong>in</strong>g other advocacy<br />

methods.<br />

✔ It creates an environment<br />

where controversial issues can<br />

be discussed.<br />

✔ Drama often attracts media coverage<br />

which <strong>in</strong>creases its impact.<br />

Disadvantages<br />

✘ It may be difficult to put new<br />

messages call<strong>in</strong>g for change <strong>in</strong>to<br />

traditional drama which often<br />

supports the status quo.<br />

✘ It can be dom<strong>in</strong>ated by people who<br />

enjoy perform<strong>in</strong>g.<br />

✘ Issues can be lost <strong>in</strong> the enterta<strong>in</strong>ment<br />

especially when professional actors<br />

are <strong>in</strong>volved.<br />

✘ It is more commonly used for IEC,<br />

and therefore the targets may miss<br />

the advocacy messages or not take<br />

them seriously.

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