Interrogating water and public health concerns through participatory theatre methodologies - The Iheakpu-Awka example

Erojikwe, Ikechukwu; Chigor, Vincent; Adukwu, Emmanuel

Abstract

Health Humanities as an emerging discipline seeks the convergence of health and humanities in the effort to promote good health as well tackle health concerns. Theatre has been identified as a powerful tool of change for preventive medicine. As an effective tool of communication various development agencies, United Nations bodies and various Aid groups have all used theatre for development strategies to rouse communities to rise up to action and take responsibility in the face of continued government insensitivity and irresponsibility in low income economies. This paper discusses health concerns occasioned by lack of water and poor health facilities in Iheakpu- Awka, a community in Igbo-Eze South Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria using participatory research and action and theatre for development (TfD) strategies that encourage full community participation. The audience are no longer the entertained but active stakeholders to their change. Anchored on health humanities and TfD concepts; this paper, argues for integrated and reinvigorated efforts towards amelioration of community water and health problems.

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: Faculty of arts, University of Nigeria, Nsukka 2018 international conference
• Start Date: Apr 8, 2018
• End Date: Apr 13, 2018
• Deposit Date: Dec 29, 2022
• Keywords: Public Health, Water, Health Humanities, Intervention, Participatory Theatre, Attitudinal Change
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/10274612
• Publisher URL: https://www.unn.edu.ng/20322-2/
• Related Public URLs: https://www.unn.edu.ng/