Life is an eternal beginning again. And some fights last a long time. For an entire generation, especially those who grew up at the end of the last century, it was impossible not to have heard of AIDS, this “acquired immunodeficiency syndrome”, a sexually transmitted disease (STD) which has wreaked so much havoc in the 1980s and 1990s.
But a quarter of a century later, even though the means of obtaining information have multiplied, society has let down its guard. However, there is reason to be concerned. “With more than 6,200 cases per year on average, the number of contaminations in France has been on the rise in recent years, particularly among 15-24 year olds”regrets Nichola Soudière.
“We always find it difficult to talk about sexuality without taboo”
Author, actor, director but also singer in his spare time, the artist based in Thouars for three years is a long-time activist. And he sees clearly that AIDS, still far from belonging to the past, is no longer part of the health priorities. “Many young people don’t really know what it is, or how to protect themselves from it”he testifies.
Certainly, “research and treatment have evolved a lot, we live better today with the disease, but it has not yet disappeared”. It can always be fatal, and even more so if we ignore its causes. Thirty years after the first Sidaction, Nichola Soudière continues to be committed to informing.
Condoms are free in pharmacies
For two years, with his young troupe of amateur actors composed of Ambre, Arthur, Milann, Paul T., Paul H. and Stefi, aged 15 to 18, he has offered a unique show entitled If by chance you leave… Written in 2010 and inspired by her own journey, this play talks about love, sex and HIV status, with both humor and gravity.
Signed Nichola Soudière, the play “Si d’aventure tu partais” talks about love, sex and HIV status, with humor and seriousness.
© (Photo archives NR)
“We always have difficulty talking about AIDS because we always have difficulty talking about sexuality without taboo”summarizes the artist, who is looking for ways to demystify the subject by placing it within the reach of as many people as possible, particularly young people. Example with the public performance given last year in the middle of the Brin de lecture bookstore!
This time, dates are on the menu over the next few weeks in several educational establishments (college du château and high school Jean-Moulin in Thouars, high school Guy-Chauvet in Loudun, MFR Le Terra in Val-en-Vignes) and a session open to the public will take place Thursday March 27, 2025 (9 p.m.) at the third place Le MZ in Thouars. Entrance will cost €5 and all profits will be donated to Sidaction, scheduled every year at the end of March.
In the meantime, Nichola Soudière is bringing another new initiative to Thouars: the “café bonnet”! Saturday November 30 (5 p.m. to midnight) and Sunday 1is December (from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.), World AIDS Day, every consumer of the MZ (which also organizes its Christmas market from November 29 to 1is December) will be offered a condom, the most effective way to fight against STDs, but also unwanted pregnancies.
“Condoms have been free since 1is January 2023 for 15-26 year olds, just ask for them at the pharmacy. And for those over 26, they are reimbursed by Social Security on prescription”recalls Nichola Soudière, who will host a space for exchange and information during the operation. While hoping that communities will seriously take up the subject. “Why not take inspiration from everything that is done for Pink October and the Telethon”he suggests in conclusion.
