As an encore to Sunday’s acclaimed AIDS and HIV awareness performances, 10 students from the University of California at Berkeley will deliver a third skit today at noon in the EMU Amphitheater.
MAPP, the Multicultural AIDS/HIV Peer Program, is a traveling theater group from Berkeley that presents health information in a dramatic fashion to try to prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases, especially in minority communities that see a high rate of infections.
“HIV does not discriminate — it can affect anyone,” said cast member Roberto Moreno Jr. , who addressed the crowd in the play’s closing remarks. “We hope our experiences help you make educated decisions about sex. If you’re [tested] negative, do everything in your power to stay that way.”
With an opening party scene that leads to sexual activities among some of the cast, followed by emotional acts that involve yelling and crying, the Berkeley students attempt to shock the crowd into learning.
“Many people are educated about HIV and safe sex, so it’s not a lack of education,” said cast member Jason Randolph, a senior at Berkeley. “We need to make a personal commitment to having safe sex.”
Through a grant from E.C. Brown Charitable Trust, the University Health Center brought MAPP to Oregon after peer health educator Jennifer Olson saw the group perform in California.
“I thought they were dynamic,” Olson said. The play “is so much better than a lecture. It grabs your attention so that you don’t even know you’re learning.”
Students who attended MAPP’s afternoon performance were very receptive to the play’s message.
“It was really believable,” freshman Alpha Chi sister Megan Tipton said. “I wanted to ask them if it was a true story.”
University Housing programming assistant Jennifer Brewer said the play was extremely beneficial.
“I thought it was really good,” Brewer said. “I could relate well to it. There was so much diversity in the situation … it’s really beneficial for everyone.”
Health center officials are trying to establish a similar organization at the University that can spread awareness about health education around the state.
Members of MAPP will sponsor a workshop today at 9 a.m. in Gerlinger Lounge to help organize a new group. Anyone interested in participating in the campus organization can attend.
In the skit, MAPP asks people to frequently get tested for HIV.
University health educator Annie Dochnahl said the health center will aid in this suggestion by offering free tests this term.
Theater group brings to life the reality of AIDS, HIV
Daily Emerald
May 7, 2000
Azle Malinao-Alvarez Emerald
0
More to Discover