The Epitome of Love: A screen play

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