HIV / AIDS has reached frightening proportions in Sub-Saharan Africa with an estimated 22 500 000 people already infected and with a growth rate of 60,7% from 1996 to 1998 – according to UNAID.

The reality is therefore, that programs aimed at the prevention of HIV / AIDS infection are not enough anymore. There is a dire need for programs that will help people to live with HIV / AIDS infection or to live with infected friends, relatives and fellow workers. To this end The Learning Theatre has put together an industrial theatre production to address both issues – prevention and after care.

The series of five small plays will address both issues in a dramatic and emotional way without resorting to the normal battery of scientific facts or the scare tactics used by many. AIDS is a reality and the effects on individuals and their social circle can be devastating, but there are ways of making it bearable and fruitful.

We believe that this production with it's driving and exciting music will be effective and educational, and coupled with a solid medical backup from company clinics, community health workers and centres, will warn of the dangers of infection and give hope to those already infected.

A bar/shebeen at night. Our hero Franklin is dancing to the music. He is approached by Venus. They dance and finally Franklin buys Venus a drink. She is flirting with him and his initial shyness disappears. Eventually she is ready to leave but he says his wife is waiting. Venus says she really likes him and anyway, what his wife doesn't know won't hurt her. She gives him a whole lot of misinformation about AIDS and the cures that one can supposedly get from Sangoma's, etc. They leave together. The mood is light and full of fun, with emphasis placed on the comedy of the situation.

Music link: - The song is about the good life and how dangerous it can be, but also about, how Franklin and Venus don't care.

Franklin comes home. His wife Lucy is in tears. She tells him that she had been to the doctor for a check up and she has tested positive for HIV. He is livid, accusing her of promiscuity. She calms down and says to him that she knows she didn't sleep around, and no matter how he tries to excuse himself, she knows that she got it from him. He tries to tell her that one could contract AIDS from a variety of sources like drinking from someone else's cup, or from a mosquito etc. She calmly tells him that he is wrong and he finally leaves in a huff. She collapses. The mood is serious with emphasis on the disastrous consequences of Franklin's actions.

Music link: -The song is a duel between them, with accusations flying, until they collapse in each other arms, realising they might die.

Franklin is at the canteen at work. Everyone has discovered that he has AIDS. The waitress arrives with a tray, puts it down at the far end of the table and pushes it towards him with a broom. Franklin goes into a discussion with her about the realities of living with AIDS. How it is not the AIDS that kills you but AIDS related diseases like TB etc. This is also the opportunity to give the realities of the extent of the epidemic and the fact that most people have daily contact with AIDS sufferers without even knowing about it. It starts of as a funny scene but becomes serious quickly.

Music link: -Franklin's song is about how his life has changed, how he has lost all his friends, and how he worries about his family's welfare.

Lucy is dead. Franklin mourns her together with his young daughter, also called Lucy. They lament the fact that she died as an innocent. Franklin tells his daughter to remember her mother the way she was. She is confused and wants to know if she is also going to die. He sets the record straight by explaining to her that she will not get it from him and that if he manages his diet and exercise program correctly he might still life a full and healthy life for many years. He tells her about the work he is doing with a volunteer program to help other people to cope with the reality of AIDS and HIV infection. He also talks about the financial planning he has been doing so that she will be looked after should he die. He sends himself up and we get a glimpse of the old playful Franklin. The mood is light, and although it is not really humorous there will be a few smiles and even laughs behind the tears.

Music link: -She sings a sad song about losing her parents, lamenting the fact that irresponsible behaviour has ripped their family apart.

Little Lucy meets a young man. They are attracted to each other but behave responsibly. He asks about her parents and she tells him that they have both died of AIDS. He is upset but says it is up to the younger generation to fight the disease and to eradicate it. The mood is up beat and energetic with a lot of emphasis on the energy needed to combat this dreaded disease.

Music Finale: -The song is a battle cry against AIDS and risky behaviour. It is also a challenge to the audience to join in the fight.