The arts as a tool in HIV and AIDS awareness and prevention: is it effective?
They say art imitates life and vice versa. We often take inspiration in creating art from our own experiences.
That's why most of the issues that we tackle in our daily lives, including diseases, are often reflected and discussed in movies, songs, paintings, novels, and other forms of art.
To spread awareness about HIV, the Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) will stage a play titled Under My Skin as its 52nd Theater Season finale.
It is one part of the multi-faceted Acting on HIV campaign of PETA and its partner advocacy organizations--The Red Whistle, LoveYourself, and UNAIDS.
The theatrical production, written by Rody Vera and directed by Melvin Lee, tells multiple stories of Filipinos living with HIV, and will revolve around the lead character, Dr. Gemma Almonte, played by award-winning actress Cherry Pie Picache.
5 reasons why 'Under My Skin,' PETA's play about HIV and AIDS, is a must-watch
While using art to spread awareness about a disease has been done for so many years, there are still many who question its effectiveness.
So, during the press launch of PETA's Under My Skin on Monday, December 2, The Red Whistle president Ben Bernabe expressed his dismay over naysayers.
He shared, “Nakakalungkot po na sa aming advocacy nakakakita kami ng mga tao na sasabihan kami na, 'Wala namang effect 'yan kasi ganda lang 'yan.'
Ben then defended the importance of art in their campaign.
He explained, “We always make sure that art is not just for its own sake, but is also a vehicle for our advocacy.
“In the face of a disease, it is arts that can remind us of our humanity.
“Kapag nakakakita tayo ng numbers at walang mukha, hindi natin naaalala na tao pala ang mga numerong ito.
“Kasi, yung ibang tao hindi nakukuha sa basa-basa lang. Yung ibang tao natututo through visual arts.
“Some people learn through dance; some learn through songs. So we have to maximize our channels in order to get our point across.”
Under My Skin director Melvin Lee also gave his two cents on why the theatrical production is an integral part of the Acting on HIV campaign.
He said, “Ang isang strength nung material and yung gusto naming i-emphasize sa palabas is yung spectrum ng edad at gender na apektado nitong epidemic na ito.
“Dine-demystify yung mga pre-conceived notions tulad ng kapag sinabing HIV sasabihin, 'Ah, sakit ng bakla.
“Yung play na ito, just like what we did with Night Mother to tackle mental health, we will use it as a platform to discuss not just HIV and AIDS, but also sexuality, sex, etc.
“Itong platform na ito sana would provide an opportunity to have a dialogue with all audiences--kahit bata pa 'yan or mga nakakatanda na- na pag-usapan ang isang very alarming situation at epidemya, ito ngang HIV/AIDS.
“Sabi ng UNAIDS, tayo na ang leading sa fastest-growing number of HIV infections, hindi lang sa Asya, kundi sa buong mundo.
“Hindi ba dapat tayo'y tunay na naaalarma at dinidiscuss itong mga ganitong bagay?
“So, siguro isang dahilan para ma-entice sila to watch it is the educational part of it. They will not only be entertained, but also be educated.”
Under My Skin will run from February 7 until March 22, 2020, Fridays to Sundays, at the PETA Theater Center.