Behind the fence forum theater: an arts performance partnership to address lupus and environmental justice

New Solut. 2009;19(4):467-79. doi: 10.2190/NS.19.4.f.

Abstract

Community-based participatory research (CBPR) is a method to improve environmental quality in communities primarily inhabited by minorities or low-income families. The Buffalo Lupus Project was a CBPR partnership formed to explore the relationship between a local waste site and high rates of lupus. The "Behind the Fence" Community Environmental Forum Theater project was able to successfully funnel the results of scientific research and ongoing activities to the community by utilizing a Forum Theater approach, image-making techniques, an interactive workshop, and energetic public performance. Filming of project activities will expand the reach of that original performance and provide other communities with a potential model for similar efforts.

MeSH terms

  • Community-Based Participatory Research / methods*
  • Community-Based Participatory Research / organization & administration
  • Drama*
  • Environmental Exposure / adverse effects
  • Environmental Exposure / prevention & control
  • Hazardous Waste / adverse effects
  • Hazardous Waste / prevention & control
  • Health Education / methods*
  • Health Education / organization & administration
  • Humans
  • Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic*
  • New York
  • Organizational Case Studies
  • Photography
  • Poverty Areas
  • Social Justice*

Substances

  • Hazardous Waste