Misango Arts Ensemble is looking for partners to help us produce a play based on male circumcision. A number of Kenyan ethnic groups do not circumcise their sons. However, recent drive by the Government of Kenya to encourage circumcision as one of the methods of reducing the risks of HIV/AIDS transmission has let to a dilemma among communities who do not circumscise and yet experience the effects of HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this play is to encourage public engagement in (preventive) public health through play.
Synopsis
Change of attitude is a major challenge in communities faced with the idea of change outside the general cultural mainstream. The Luo Nation of Kenya has not been an exception especially with respect to male circumcision which is currently in vogue. Diehard traditionalists still find it hard to come to terms with a practice that has, belatedly been proven to be insulation against the pandemic HIV and AIDS as well as sexually transmitted infections.
The understanding is still wavering, caught between tradition and the remedy to a palpable healthcare, whereby families, couples and communities at large find themselves caught on the horn of a dilemma. Medical science in its unyielding efforts to salvage mankind from the jaws of disaster and catastrophe has come up with research findings that offer practical solutions to health and sex issues that continuously affect many people.
This is where science and arts meet at a tangent, mingling and jostling each other to creatively emerge with a solution that is likely to help address an issue that continues to boggle the mind. Gender in general comes into sharp focus in the promotion of male circumcision as an important measure in the reduction of STI, HIV and AIDS in society, the vulnerable, especially the youth in society, couples, family and the broader society, can therefore be sensitized on this important medical research to alleviate problem.
To project this in the public domain, the employment of drama as an aspect of mobilization, sensitization to create awareness and attitudinal change on male circumcision in the general wider context.
In this context herewith, is the “EPITOME OF LOVE” of a screen play focusing on the important of embracing this scientifically and medically tested and proven antidote. How do the vulnerable float with flux –
What does the mould hold? Two lovers exploring power of male circumcision (cut), alongside the dangers of HIV and AIDS.
BERTHA: Is a developmental coordinator, youthful and energetic, dealing with issues of HIV and AIDS.
BENJA: Is an ardent football fan, and a staunch Jaluo cultural traditionalist still unpurged from the practice of male circumcision.
But will BERTHA succeed in convincing BENJA on the importance of the male cut?
By Aketch Obat-Masira
Kisumu, Kenya
September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Henry Awuor Imbo: Tribute to a Noble Man of Nyakach
Today we mourn a man with unique history
Henry Awuor the son of Ibrahim Imbo
And Mama Anyango Kalara
Of kokwanyo, Mawego, Rachuonyo
We mourn the grandson of Nyaji
The son of Olela – his great grandfather
We mourn an orphan of long ago
Whose parents were taken by slavers
We mourn a great husband of Mama Kalara
Whose parents were murdered by cattle rustlers
We mourn Henry Awuor Imbo a unique person
The 8th in a family of ten and born in Nyakach
And now survived by his sister Magdale Akeyo,
To care for a homestead now left bare.
Who did not know Mzee Awuor of Nyakach kadianga?
The single individual who named Got Bolo
The place where he has left his indelible mark
A disciplined healthy man of good deeds
A man who cherishes his prayers
A man who supports church activities and catholism
A man who had a big heart for the needy
A man who developed infrastructure in Got Bolo
He build children’s nurseries and initiated road grading and building bridges
A man who generously donated his land
For Bolo – complex – for a multi –purpose mission
A man who was generous with wise counsel
On all human - interest issues
He sired intelligent off springs who are a boon to Kenyan society
A tree bedecked with twinkle stars
Each contributing its light to sturdy core
This eminent pioneer catechist
Is the legendary family tree
Whose blossoms will continue to delighted many
Emerging generations for whom he has given hope
Those numerous project he initiated
This great son of Got Bolo had a vision
Jolly Awuor Mbuta was an icon
Pioneering sugarcane and pineapple cultivation
As a pilot project in an entire region
Long ,long before we saw independence
He had a vision for growth and progress
Mogwedhi Awuor Imbo was a luminary
Who was crowned with a State award
And became a Nyakach’s Councillor
With a host of influential friends
Who does not know Sir Henry?
Who does not know the winner of Presidential award?
The renowned agriculturalist of Nyakach
Who does not know the husband of Mama Kristina Orawo of Pap Rombe?
This is one man whose wisdom stands upright
Talk about farming as a living occupation
He was there to testify that it worked
As a substitute to white collar jobs
That had increasingly become very scarce
Who does not know Chief Zablon Akach?
That illustrious son of Nyakach
Who does not know Aloys Lajre of Kajimbo?
Brigitta Nyar Kabodho and Omolo Rafael?
These were his inspirational friends
With whom he shared common vision
Awuor Mbita had a vision and a mission
He had a dream for a golden Church bell,
That could be heard as far as Kisumu
That would adorn his dream Church
That Church already stands as a testimony,here
To his great Spirit of sacrifice in Got Bolo
The Church in which his spirit lives
We mourn Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo a shinning star
Whose song is sung by the birds of Got Bolo
Even the numerous orphans , widows and less fortunate members of Got Bolo salute him
We mourn him with our flocks , drums and hymns
We mourn a man with unique and memorable legacy
A man of selfless nature, mature in everything
We mourn a man of culture and good nurture
A man who has left behind much to cherish
For Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo the founder of Got Bolo
Wuon Got Bolo – Go well
Dhi gi kwe wuod Nyakach Kadinga
Ywe mos wuod Nyakach, nyakwar Nyaji, nyakwar Olela
May the almighty Lord
Keep the soul of wuod kadianga
In eternal peace..Mos wuod Mama kalera
Wuoth maber gi Ruoth
Got Bolo will not be the same again
As we mourn our
Brother, father and grandfather.
This is for Henry Awuor Imbo:The founder of Got Bolo
For Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo: The Noble Man of Nyakach.
- Akech Obat Masira
Got Bolo, Nyakach
September 11, 2010
Henry Awuor the son of Ibrahim Imbo
And Mama Anyango Kalara
Of kokwanyo, Mawego, Rachuonyo
We mourn the grandson of Nyaji
The son of Olela – his great grandfather
We mourn an orphan of long ago
Whose parents were taken by slavers
We mourn a great husband of Mama Kalara
Whose parents were murdered by cattle rustlers
We mourn Henry Awuor Imbo a unique person
The 8th in a family of ten and born in Nyakach
And now survived by his sister Magdale Akeyo,
To care for a homestead now left bare.
Who did not know Mzee Awuor of Nyakach kadianga?
The single individual who named Got Bolo
The place where he has left his indelible mark
A disciplined healthy man of good deeds
A man who cherishes his prayers
A man who supports church activities and catholism
A man who had a big heart for the needy
A man who developed infrastructure in Got Bolo
He build children’s nurseries and initiated road grading and building bridges
A man who generously donated his land
For Bolo – complex – for a multi –purpose mission
A man who was generous with wise counsel
On all human - interest issues
He sired intelligent off springs who are a boon to Kenyan society
A tree bedecked with twinkle stars
Each contributing its light to sturdy core
This eminent pioneer catechist
Is the legendary family tree
Whose blossoms will continue to delighted many
Emerging generations for whom he has given hope
Those numerous project he initiated
This great son of Got Bolo had a vision
Jolly Awuor Mbuta was an icon
Pioneering sugarcane and pineapple cultivation
As a pilot project in an entire region
Long ,long before we saw independence
He had a vision for growth and progress
Mogwedhi Awuor Imbo was a luminary
Who was crowned with a State award
And became a Nyakach’s Councillor
With a host of influential friends
Who does not know Sir Henry?
Who does not know the winner of Presidential award?
The renowned agriculturalist of Nyakach
Who does not know the husband of Mama Kristina Orawo of Pap Rombe?
This is one man whose wisdom stands upright
Talk about farming as a living occupation
He was there to testify that it worked
As a substitute to white collar jobs
That had increasingly become very scarce
Who does not know Chief Zablon Akach?
That illustrious son of Nyakach
Who does not know Aloys Lajre of Kajimbo?
Brigitta Nyar Kabodho and Omolo Rafael?
These were his inspirational friends
With whom he shared common vision
Awuor Mbita had a vision and a mission
He had a dream for a golden Church bell,
That could be heard as far as Kisumu
That would adorn his dream Church
That Church already stands as a testimony,here
To his great Spirit of sacrifice in Got Bolo
The Church in which his spirit lives
We mourn Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo a shinning star
Whose song is sung by the birds of Got Bolo
Even the numerous orphans , widows and less fortunate members of Got Bolo salute him
We mourn him with our flocks , drums and hymns
We mourn a man with unique and memorable legacy
A man of selfless nature, mature in everything
We mourn a man of culture and good nurture
A man who has left behind much to cherish
For Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo the founder of Got Bolo
Wuon Got Bolo – Go well
Dhi gi kwe wuod Nyakach Kadinga
Ywe mos wuod Nyakach, nyakwar Nyaji, nyakwar Olela
May the almighty Lord
Keep the soul of wuod kadianga
In eternal peace..Mos wuod Mama kalera
Wuoth maber gi Ruoth
Got Bolo will not be the same again
As we mourn our
Brother, father and grandfather.
This is for Henry Awuor Imbo:The founder of Got Bolo
For Mzee Henry Awuor Imbo: The Noble Man of Nyakach.
- Akech Obat Masira
Got Bolo, Nyakach
September 11, 2010
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