Inner Circle: Changing Times

This initiative uses the strength of the visual in an effort to inform and change behaviour, thus hopefully diminishing stigma against those living with AIDS and preventing spread of the disease among Alaska's young people. It relies on the full participation of youth - a touring ensemble of teenage actors who delivers life-saving messages to their peers in an effort to encourage them to look, listen and learn through the medium of educational theatre. Organisers explain that, while it is neither medical science nor clinical care, a play is a powerful way of commanding all-too-short attention spans shaped by television-watching and computer gaming in order to get important health information and messages across to young people.

Participants included 9 nine actors (two casts, with 2 actors and actresses each, and one understudy) who were trained in HIV and AIDS issues. (Training was provided by the Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association, Municipality of Anchorage Reproductive Health Clinic, Teen Clinic, and the Anchorage Neighborhood Health Clinic.) They then performed The Inner Circle in high schools, youth correctional centers, youth clubs, colleges and theatres; audience members included students, incarcerated youth, teachers, parents, state health officials, and members of the general public.

The play itself explores issues such as confidentiality, reluctance to communicate with parents about sexual activities and HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), HIV testing methods, condom efficacy, drug side effects, and where to go to seek help. It focuses on the protagonist, Sarah, who suffers shame and regret over what has happened to her; she cuts herself off from friends and family and school. With the help of her "inner circle" of friends she rallies and later discloses her status and emerges wiser from her isolation, able to direct her life and move on. No slang words or phrases are found in the script, nor are the ideas presented sexually suggestive. This play does not push an agenda of sex or drug use.

Organisers suggest that the production is intended to travel and play in a wide variety of spaces, from actual theatrical stages with full lighting and sound, to classrooms, gymnasiums, cafeterias, the outdoors, and so on - and can be performed without the aid of electricity. It has only two technical needs: a space for the actors to perform in/on, and lights that are turned on.

HIV/AIDS, Youth.

The Inner Circle played to over 5500 high school and university students and educators in Anchorage, Kenai, Seward and Homer in 50 performances that were held in both the Anchorage and Kenai School Districts, as well as the University of Alaska and Alaska Pacific University. The Interior AIDS Association in Fairbanks, Alaska hosted a tour in December 2004.

The Alaskan AIDS Assistance Association received written responses from educators and students addressing their feelings about the performances they had viewed; one 15-year-old boy said, "The Inner Circle was performed on a level that I as a teen can relate to. It was inspiring and makes you think about your actions before you do them. I'd love to see this play go global." Citing these and other comments, organisers are convinced that both youth and educators enthusiastically respond to this kind of art form addressing societal and/or public health needs. The fact that the play provokes loud and thoughtful discussions afterwards, they suggest, attests to its power to get messages across and to command short attention spans. For instance, many viewers reacted with surprise to learn that lack of personal funds will not bar them from receiving HIV testing, counselling or care.

On April 25 2006, the 2004 and 2005 casts of The Inner Circle: Changing Times were awarded the Outstanding Youth Community Service Award from the Anchorage Association of Volunteer Administrators.