Lina Attel’s research while affiliated with King Hussein Cancer Center and other places

Interactive community-based theatre is used to engage with audience members and allow for free exchange of ideas relevant to context. It aims to bring about a new understanding of an issue while challenging people's attitudes and perceptions. Its application within the field of sexual and reproductive health has been limited, particularly in low and middle-income contexts. This paper presents the rationale for a research-arts partnership in Jordan and describes the process and some lessons learned from the development and country-wide performances of a research-informed interactive play. The play, Mish 'Ayb (Not a Shame) was designed to address social barriers to accessing sexual and reproductive services in a patriarchal society. The sensitive portrayal by Jordanian actors of real-life scenarios pertaining to specific health issues encouraged identification of the audience with the actors, thereby building trust. This process helped to uncover cultural norms that facilitate and impede people's access to health services and information. Qualitative research designs that incorporate interactive theatre present a strong potential avenue to explore sensitive topics related to sexuality, particularly in patriarchal contexts.

This paper presents the Noor Al Hussein Foundation experience on the innovative effective of the multi media methodology it has adopted for 12 years, in its implementation of strategic national programs. The programs seek to improve the overall quality of life of Jordanians, especially children and women, by responding to their socio-economic needs. These programs, conducted by the Performing Arts Center, serve as a national resource and a regional and international model for incorporating the arts in all levels of education for aesthetic, academic, cultural and personal development of children and youth. This is achieved in close cooperation with public institutions, civic societies and several UN agencies. The Performing Arts Center (PAC), which was established in 1987 to develop an understanding and awareness of the value of the arts in the educational process and their usage for social development purposes, applies a unique methodology. It is based on Theater-in-Education (TIE) which is the use of theater and participatory drama methodology to teach areas of the curriculum, social issues, life themes, and concepts. Although it usually has a theater performance component, TIE invariably engages young people and adults feelingly with the subject matter of the TIE program through their active interaction with the actors in role. TIE programs are devised for specific age ranges and specific objectives, and have effective impact on changes of attitudes and practices, specifically on children and youth. Also, the TIE has been employed to assist the Foundation's Institute for Child Health and Development which was founded in 1986, to contribute to the national efforts of improving the quality of maternal and child health care services in Jordan. The multi-media approach also assists in creating awareness on reproductive health issues as well as introducing healthy habits to mothers-to-be and youth.