Understanding a science-themed puppet theatre performance for public engagement in Thailand

Abstract

Fishy Clouds, a 45-minute non-verbal touring puppet theatre Background: show, was created with the objectives of (1) raising awareness of antimicrobial overuse and misuse (the fact that there simply is a problem), (2) raising awareness of the importance of research with children -including those involving antimicrobials, and (3) producing a science-themed performance of entertainment value and high artistic quality. The show used visual storytelling to bring the research and behaviour around antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to life for a broad range of audiences across different ages, locations, levels of education, and language.In order to understand the effectiveness of Fishy Clouds, we used a Methods: realist-informed evaluation approach. A combination of quantitative and qualitative approaches (semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and field notes) were used for data collection.We received a total of 880 quantitative feedback forms, conducted 22 Results: semi-structured interviews and three focus group discussions. Our data showed that Fishy Clouds was an enjoyable performance to all audience groups and stakeholders and was generally viewed with artistic integrity. However, its effectiveness was primarily in raising existing awareness about medicine use and health more broadly, rather than specific health messaging concerning AMR and research with children. We found that those with limited background on AMR or research with children, such as school children and Karen ethnic migrants exhibited a wide range of interpretations. A science-themed theatre would function better if it is focussed on a single theme, embedded within a programme of activities and conducted at closed venues.Fishy Clouds showed that science theatre events have the Conclusions: potential to support public health programmes and engage local communities in science research. Keywords

“AMR Dialogues”: a public engagement initiative to shape policies and solutions on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Thailand

“…All conversations will be led by members of the project team who have had experience and training in public engagement and facilitation, and trained using Wellcome Trust’s “Responsive Dialogues” toolkit 23 . MORU has dedicated public engagement team (led by author PYC) and an extensive public engagement programme that involves facilitating traditional engagement activities as well as more innovative approaches such as science theatre initiatives 14 , 24 , 26 – 28 . Civicnet Foundation has experience facilitating workshops in communities and inspiring change.…”

“…The Thailand “AMR Dialogues” project uses the Wellcome Trust’s toolkit “Responsive Dialogues (RDs) on Drug Resistant Infections” 23 , which suggests a format for holding these Dialogues (see Methods). This projects builds on our previous engagement work around AMR such as “AMR Dictionary” 1 , “antibiotic footprint” 14 , and art and theatre projects around AMR in Thailand and Southeast Asia 24 – 26 , and complements existing campaigns such as the annual Antimicrobial Awareness Day/Week held since 2013 21 .…”

“AMR Dialogues”: a public engagement initiative to shape policies and solutions on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in Thailand

“…The Thailand "AMR Dialogues" project uses the Wellcome Trust's toolkit "Responsive Dialogues (RDs) on Drug Resistant Infections" 20 , which suggests a format for holding these Dialogues (see Methods). This projects builds on our previous engagement work around AMR such as "AMR Dictionary" 1 , "antibiotic footprint" 12 , and art and theatre projects around AMR in Thailand and Southeast Asia [21][22][23] , and complements existing campaigns such as the annual Antimicrobial Awareness Day/Week held since 2013 19 .…”

Under the Mask: A Film on Tuberculosis at the Thai-Myanmar Border

“…Low literacy, multiple ethnic languages, and hard-to-reach villagers means that innovative engagement approaches are needed to reach the target audience. In Southeast Asia, science-arts approaches such as folk songs ( 18 ), community drama ( 19 – 23 ), forum ( 24 ), and puppet theater ( 25 ), have been used for health education and to support health research. These blended science-arts events are typically science-themed events co-created by scientists and collaborating artists.…”