Abstract

This article is based on an arts-based doctoral research project entitled: ‘Deadly Masculinities: Towards a Theatrical Toolbox for Exploring Identity and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) with Young Malawian Men’. Through workshop and performance vignettes it explores how participatory theatre methods were used to engage two groups of male students in critical discussion about masculinity, HIV and abusive behaviours. It seeks to highlight the challenges that arise when using participatory theatre methods within HIV interventions that aim to help men in challenging deeply accepted masculine behaviours, which perpetuate infection and unequal relations in sexual matters. It argues that participatory theatre alongside dialogic discussion, as opposed to information-based theatre, has real potential to engage boys in critical dialogue about gender identity, HIV risk and to help them consider equitable behaviours and attitudes.

Original language	en
Pages (from-to)	87-98
Volume	10
Issue number	1
Publication status	Published - 2019