COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT | Theatre for Development (TFD) uses edutainment – a combination of education and entertainment – to effectively convey essential health messages to the public. This project, part of a broader initiative, uses stage and street dramas to disseminate accurate health information, promote scientifically based drugs and vaccinations, and address the misuse of antibiotics. The aim is to prebunk and debunk misinformation, empowering individuals to make informed healthcare decisions.
Dr Hauwa Mohammed Sani has successfully used Theatre for Development (TFD) in her research over the past months. The method has successfully been used to combat misinformation and pseudoscience during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.
In this scene of the drama performed at a street market, the patient, Maman Guntu,
took unverified medicine and was taken to the hospital.
What did you try to achieve with the TFD?
By promoting accurate information and responsible antibiotic usage, the project seeks to reduce the prevalence of antibiotic resistance and improve public health practices in Northern Nigeria. The message of the theatre piece is to highlight the importance of accurate health information and the dangers of misinformation and pseudoscience. It emphasises the need for responsible antibiotic usage to combat antibiotic resistance and promotes the benefits of scientifically-based drugs and vaccinations.
The cast, the producer (Dr Hauwa Sani, middle), and the Director, Dr Malik, (right) after the play at the market square.
Numerous stakeholders took part. Tell us more about that.
I wrote the manuscript for the play, incorporating the innovative communication tool COMIFAVIGILANCE. The actors were sourced from the Department of Theatre and Performing Art at Ahmadu Bello University. The department also directed the play. The process involved collaboration with the university's theatre department to ensure the play effectively conveyed the intended messages and engaged the audience through compelling performances.
Absorbing the play. The audience watches and engages with the actors at the market square.
How did you use theatre to disseminate your research?
The play was performed in two phases: the first was during the social science cluster workshop, and the second was on the street at a Friday market. The audience received the message loud and clear, as the street drama format allowed for direct engagement with the public. The interactive nature of the performance helped effectively communicate the importance of accurate health information and the dangers of misinformation. I consider the project a success because of the importance of raising awareness about health misinformation and the positive reception. Given the effectiveness of street theatre, I would attempt it again and expand performances to reach an even wider audience.
A recording of the version performed at the street market can be viewed here: https://bit.ly/45RpiHm. The actors speak Nigerian Hausa and pidgin English.
Hauwa Sani, in conversation with Heidi Sonnekus
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