Barcelona 2013
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| Abstract #189 - E-Posters English | ||||
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Session: 50.34: E-Posters English (Poster) on Sunday in Chaired by Authors: Presenting Author: Mr Paul Woodward - Monash University, Australia |
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| Additional Authors: Dr. Jordi Casabona, Sra Cristina Sanclemente, Dra. Anna Esteve, Dra. Victoria Gonzalez, Grupo HIVITS TS, | ||||
| Aim: In my research I use performance theory to help further understand in a unique and significant way what happens in that moment of revelation of HIV status known as disclosure. In making this application I ultimately hope to develop strategies of performance in workshop & theatrical environments which serve to enrich understanding of the processes of disclosure and provide creative strategies out of the HIV closet in a variety of cultural contexts. For many people infected with the virus this is the hardest part of their condition to negotiate due to the stigma surrounding HIV & AIDS yet it is conversely thought to be the most useful way of reducing this stigma in the first place. The aim of this workshop is to carefully introduce participants to a range of performance skills, informed by my theoretical approaches, which are specifically designed to empower anyone wanting to disclose their health status with greater confidence, ability, ease, & awareness. | ||||
| Method / Issue: My methodology adopted for the purposes of this workshop consists of 2 distinct stages In stage one I will apply existing performance theory to examples of disclosure in everyday life and in performance environments. In making this application I will unpack what happens in a disclosure event and attempt to describe this so as to further understand its qualities and efficacy in the world In stage two I will utilize my findings from stage one and create a series of workshops specially designed to help HIV+ people in a variety of contexts to practice disclosures using specific performance techniques and skills to enable powerful and skilled (dis)closures. I will guide 15-20 participants through a series of structured theatre and performance based exercises that are designed to empower in the following areas related to the consideration of factors affecting HIV disclosure: self expression through autobiographical storytelling; strategic use of language; actor/audience relationship; proxemics and kinesics | ||||
| Results / Comments: This workshop has been designed following my experiences of working with HIV positive in 3 distinct geographical contexts, namely London, UK; Melbourne, Australia; and Sitegi, Swaziland. What has surprised me so far is the similarity of experience of the mechanics of disclosure practice along with the accompanying emotions involved in its processes. I am interested in exploring what might be a further outcome working within the context of Spain. This workshop would be open to HIV positive or negative participants. | ||||
| Discussion: Are performance techniques useful in aiding empowered disclosure events? In a time when many countries are making it mandatory to disclose sero-status before sex how might these workshops be developed further to offer a unique skill set to reduce fear around acts of disclosure? | ||||
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