Wan Smolbag Theatre

VANUATU: Wan Smolbag Theatre is going from strength to strength. From a small group of voluntary actors in 1989, it's now arguably the Pacific's premier drama company.

Jo Dorras with actors on stage The group generally produces plays about social and environmental issues which are important to Vanuatu. With nearly half the country's population under the age of 29, young people dominate the audience.

Most are poor, uneducated and live in the squatter settlements around the capital, Port Vila. Chances of employment are slim in a society where few job opportunities exist, particularly for unskilled workers.

Jo Dorras, scriptwriter for Wan Smalbag Theatre

Young people who feel they have unpromising prospects in life are at greater risk of unsafe behaviours that thrive in poverty, such as HIV, substance and physical abuse, and teenage pregnancy.

Drama - because it's lively, entertaining and performed by people more or less the same age - is proving a successful way of reaching young people and offering help. Strong social messages contained in the plays stimulate helpful discussions and encourage healthier attitudes. For many, the drama group is a safe haven. Several of Wan Smolbag's seasoned performers are originally from fringe settlements.

It used to be the group would travel around Port Vila, taking just one small bag (hence the name - 'wan smolbag') to carry props and costumes. Now it's ready, willing and able to travel to far flung communities and even to neighbouring countries. There's growing demand for a tour of the Asia Pacific.

We perform plays about tuberculosis, HIV and other health issues. It's wonderful to see young people who were unemployed and feared they lacked any sort of social status become leaders in community theatre and education. Jo Dorras, scriptwriter for Wan Smolbag Theatre [PULLOUT] There's no doubt Wan Smolbag is entertaining but it's the serious side that carries most weight. After each production, actors lead discussions about key messages.

'The play, Solid Sisters, for example, is about domestic violence and oppression of women which is a big problem in Vanuatu,' says Jo. 'The actors ask the audience how they feel about anger and aggression in the family. Talking about things is very much the way things are done here. In general people aren't readers. This is much more an oral society where the spoken word is prominent. Ni-Vanuatu culture lends itself beautifully to drama.'

Staff of Wan Smolbag consist of 50 paid employees. Drama remains central to its activities but, building on its success in reaching young people, the group is expanding its scope. For example, it has opened a club, funded by AusAID, which has more than 700 members. It offers all manner of learning opportunities from computing to karate, from literacy lessons to rap dance. The sporting facilities are good too.

With these developments and through its tireless theatre work, Wan Smolbag shows it's firmly on the side of youth and a healthy and safe future for all Ni-Vanuatu.

AusAID is a long-term supporter of Wan Smolbag and of activities promoting healthy lifestyles for young people in the Pacific.

2006