The Africa Institute’s Educational Theatre Company toured through our neighbouring country Namibia in October 2006. They performed the company’s first production, Lucky the Hero!, to a wide variety of audiences, including military bases and religious organisations. Between performances, the group had the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes and wildlife of Namibia and to get to know the local people better. The drama group’s interactive approach is a fresh new way of doing HIV education, with the purpose of changing behaviour.

Crossing borders for HIV/AIDS education: The touring team are, at the back, from left Percy Speelman (actor), Mari van der Merwe (researcher), Prof Jan du Toit (director of the Africa Centre), Annemie van Rhyn (actor), Hilton Andries (actor), and Wallard (driver). In the middle, from left are Liezl Jinker (researcher), Michelle Pieterson (actor) and Pastor Diergaardt. In front, from left are Ernest Samuels (assistant at the Africa Centre), Ralston Oliphant (actor) and Christy-Ann Julies (actor). Absent on this photo: Jimmie Earl Perry (director of educational theatre and creative arts at the Africa Institute).

Relaxing at a game farm outside of Rehoboth soon after the group’s arrival in Namibia. The Lucky cast spreading the message of HIV/AIDS prevention and care at a military base outside of Rehoboth. A performance at the Tamariskia Evangelical Lutheran church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) in the beautiful coastal town of Swakopmund.

A traditional church service at the Mondesa church in Swakopmund. Easing the hunger and relaxing after a hard day’s work.