Achieving Control of Asthma in Children in Africa (ACACIA) study organised community theatre shows to raise awareness on asthma. ACACIA engaged a theatre group called Society for Education Initiative to perform around Blantyre urban locations. The play In Control is a pilot component of the ACACIA study looking at how theatre can be used to educate students, teachers, and the community at large about asthma and some of the challenges that children with asthma face.

Performances were taken to different locations within Blantyre urban including Bangwe, Ndirande, Chimwankhunda, Naotcha, Mbayani, Chirimba, Chilobwe, Nancholi, Chitawira and Chigumula. The activities targeted communities surrounding schools where the ACACIA study was carried out.  In Control was showcased from 2 to 10 December 2021 in the morning or afternoon in each of the communities. The play targeted the public but also involved community leaders and Health Surveillance Assistants (HSAs) from the locations

Speaking after a thread of the educative events, MLW’s ACACIA lead Eliza Mkutumula said that of all the study activities, the study team enjoyed this component because it was in a way like giving back to the schools and communities that were a huge part of ACACIA from the beginning.

“The collaboration among ACACIA study team, the theatre company and Communications and Public Engagement department made the community implementation a great success!” said Mkutumula.

Malawi is one of the 6 countries that this play was adapted and showcased. It was written by Nigerian-born British playwright Tunde Joseph Euba. The initial plan was to only perform in schools, but this was changed after a discussion among all ACACIA centres to include performances in the communities.