Wan Smolbag Theatre

Wan Smolbag Theatre (WSB) was established in Port Vila, Vanuatu in 1989. It began as an amateur theatre group with 15 voluntary actors. Since that time WSB has established a national and regional reputation as a development theatre organisation that produces and delivers locally-produced, high quality film, radio and theatre productions that are complemented by a range of workshop and printed materials. Coupled with structured workshops facilitated by actors, the organisation uses drama to inform, raise awareness and encourage public discussion on a range of contemporary health, lifestyle, environment and governance issues.

The use of development theatre has led WSB into other areas such as reproductive heath clinics, youth centres, and a rural-based conservation network. In 1997 WSB spent six months working closely with the Blacksands/Tagabe peri-urban settlement community which has high levels of unemployment and illiteracy. During this time a community play was developed, and research was conducted into many issues affecting the contemporary daily lives of community members. As result of this collaboration WSB initiated a new reproductive health clinic (Kam Pussem Hed or KPH) at its base in Port Vila. KPH has gone on to be a model for the region of a confidential, youth-friendly reproductive health service. They have also duplicated the KPH model in Santo, with the Northern Youth Care Clinic.

In December 2002 WSB was awarded the "Pacific People of the Year" accolade by Islands Business magazine.

As at October 2008 WSB had over 100 full and part time staff; actors, director, scriptwriter, finance and admin staff, graphic artist, nurses, peer educators, youth workers, film and radio technicians, and managers. WSB has its base at warehouses in Tagabe, Port Vila, but also has a youth centre on the island of Pentecost, and a reproductive health clinic and youth centre in Luganville, Santo. WSB has two associate theatre groups on the outer islands; Haulua Theatre based on Pentecost and Wuhuran Theatre based on Ambrym. WSB also has a network of over 200 volunteer turtle conservation monitors (Vanua-tai monitors) based on islands throughout Vanuatu.

External links

* [http://wan-smolbag-theatre.org/ WSB Website]
* [http://www.pacificmagazine.net/issue/2002/12/01/pacific-people-of-the-year] , "Wan Smol Bag - Why they've been a success in the region", Mere Tuqiri, 2002.