Theory Meets Theatre Practice: Making a Difference to Public Health Programmes in Southern Africa. Professor Lynn Dalrymple: South African Scholar, Activist, Educator

Abstract

Lynn Dalrymple is a pioneer in the field of communication about HIV and AIDS in South Africa. Her work has influenced practitioners, researchers and thinkers in South Africa and beyond. This review explores Dalrymple’s background as a teacher in the rural areas of Zululand in South Africa, and how she came to apply theatre theory for one of the most pressing problems faced in the area, that of HIV and AIDS. Dalrymple is the founder of the non‐governmental organisation DramAidE, which uses drama to explore HIV and AIDS issues and to bring about behaviour change and social change in a context that is full of contradictions. When Western bio‐medical information meets traditional African practices, there is often a clash of ideologies that needs to be mediated for public health messages to have an effect. Dalrymple’s use of participatory theatre provides the space for this mediation. This review looks at three central texts written (and in one case co‐authored) by Dalrymple. The review explores how these texts have marked a turning point in the way that public health communication is envisioned and implemented in South Africa. Dalrymple’s focus on culturally relevant participatory strategies for communicating about HIV and AIDS has influenced many scholars and practitioners in southern Africa, and the authors of this article hope to extend the recognition of the importance of her work beyond the sub‐continent.