Theatre for Health Awareness in Adivasi Communities

A short clip from the skit created by the youth

Dhaatri organised twin theatre workshops for youth from mining-affected regions of Madhya Pradesh, including participants from families impacted by mining in Panna and Vidisha districts.

Facilitated by theatre artist Nitish Kumar, the workshops engaged the youth with fun games and theatre-based exercises. The activities culminated in the creation of a skit focused on tuberculosis (TB), aimed at raising awareness among Adivasi communities living in these areas.

The Gond and Sahariya communities in Panna and Vidisha, who rely on mine labour for their sustenance, face health risks such as silicosis and TB due to prolonged dust exposure, poor living conditions, and limited awareness. Recognising these challenges, the workshop used theatre as a powerful tool to deepen understanding of TB and its impacts.

The youth shared stories, conceived plays about TB in their villages, and highlighted real-life experiences. Moving forward, these young health champions plan to perform street plays to reduce TB-related stigma and promote early diagnosis and treatment in their communities.