Advocacy in Action - International AIDS Society
Advocacy in Action - International AIDS Society
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.