The Story of Franklin F

We learn from stories, whether the message within is something we should either stop doing or start doing. This is especially true when you look at the way The Learning Theatre use storytelling within Industrial Theatre to propel change. With World Aids Day around the corner it might be wise for companies to communicate the message in a different way. Here is a look at how we approach topic:

Red Knot tells the story of Franklin F, a hardworking married man, set out to provide for his family. However as with most people, Franklin has a weak spot, that being beautiful women. He believes that his infidelity will not jeopardise his family life, and he still plans to have many children by his current wife Lucy.

Franklin believes he can protect himself from any disease by getting muti from someone in the township. He tells himself that the women he sleeps with are protected as well and therefore there are no risks involved. When his wife is diagnosed with HIV/AIDS Franklin is upset and accuses her of sleeping around. She assures him that she has never been unfaithful, and notes she knows that he has been meandering around and therefore could only get the disease from him. Franklin is distraught and faced with the truth that not only has he ruined his own life but the life of the rest of his family as well.

Franklin gets tested and discovers what it means to live with HIV/AIDS. He revisits some of his previous incorrect ideas around how HIV/AIDS is contracted. Franklin can’t believe that he has turned such a blind eye to all the messages communicated to him by his peers, society and work about HIV/AIDS. He vows to do everything in his power to give back to the community and live the rest of his life to the fullest. He joins a community centre where he counsels people about HIV/AIDS and how to make smarter choices. Franklin ends up living a rich full life by putting in a lot of effort in looking after his health in order to be there for his family, friends and community.

This story is laden with messages of which actions to stop doing and which to start doing, leaving no room for misinterpretation. It ultimately leads to a change of mindset which propels behavioural change. Another great example of how The Learning Theatre drives change through industrial theatre. If you would like to learn more about how to book this HIV/AIDS performance, please contact Carmin on 011 655 7152 or email her at carmin@learningtheatre.co.za