A powerful, realistic and (believe it or not) funny play about HIV/AIDS and substance abuse, portraying the dangers of peer pressure, denial and stereotyping. It focuses on making responsible choices and includes the real stories of the four actors.
"Hey, pass it on--you don't have to get it!"
synopsis and themes
Opening monologue: what's an alcoholic or an addict look like? (Stereotypes)
Doin' the Line: Ways to contract the virus. ("I'm safe--trust me!")
I'm just an Average Guy! AIDS doesn't affect me! (Denial)
TV and internet surfing (Mixed messages)
How to talk with your date. (Helpful and harmful peer pressure)
What should I say? (Plan ahead for abstinence)
Three stories of how people may have gotten the virus (Stay clean & sober, so you can keep your plan)
Going for a test (There's free, anonymous help)
Remember what you learned here: don't drink, go to meetings, ask for help.
faculty members say
"The most important part of the performance was your connection between drug use, loss of control and exposure to HIV."
"This was probably the best assembly we have ever had. It was so very relevant to the students' lives. Education about ideas in many different formats is essential. This is a piece of the whole and hopefully reached some that other types of presentations have not."
students say
"I liked the way they portrayed an average guy and how unprotected sex, drugs and alcohol could affect him. I learned that the people that get it, almost always get it accidentally because of alcohol or drug use."
"I am thinking about myself. I just took the HIV test on Tuesday and I don't know if I want to know the results. You should think that everyone might have it. That way you stay safe with what you do with others."
Passing It On was created with a grant from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation.
Passing It On is suitable and adaptable for middle school, high school, college, and some community organizations. It comes with pre- and post-program discussion guides. To learn more about space and time requirements, go to the performances page.
