What role can theatre play in a student's development of AIDS awareness during the first decade of the health crisis?

This interesting programme from 1988 explores how a theatrical production tries to augment the learning experiences of students, parents, teachers and governors during the first decade of the AIDS health crisis. Focusing on a production of 'Plague of Innocence', written by playwright Noel Grieg for the Crucible Theatre in Education, the programme shows members of the theatre company working alongside teachers with students at a local school. The play presents a dystopic view of Britain on the eve of the millennium with references to past epidemics, pandemics and national crises embedded into the narrative structure.

There is a strong emphasis on the role of workshops and discussion groups, as well as role play, collectively called 'pre-work. Students are encouraged to analyse historic responses to disease - both locally and globally - finding parallels with present day. Issues of prejudice, fear and moral panic are examined, reflected upon and challenged by the students, their teachers, governors and even their parents. The outcome of this work is, according to several of the programme's interviewees, an important part of the formation and development of the student's life-skills, health awareness and social responsibility as they embark on their own life journeys.