Using Participatory Theatre Techniques to Address Water and Public Health Issues: The Iheakpu-Awka Enugu State, Nigeria Example.

Abstract

Theatre has been recognised as a potent tool for change in preventive medicine as a useful communication tool. Several development agencies, UN agencies, and aid organisations have employed theatre for development strategies to motivate communities to take action and assume responsibility for ongoing government negligence and insensitivity in rural communities. This study examines the use of theatre techniques, such as Theatre for Development (TfD) and Participatory Research and Action (PRA), in the Iheakpu-Awka community in the Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria, to address health problems brought on by a lack of water and inadequate medical facilities. The foundation of the intervention is participation, which is seen to be the most important element for long-term development and transformation. The study, which is based on health humanities and TfD as theoretical frameworks, makes the case for group discussions and cooperative efforts to provide clean drinking water and healthcare.