Rhone
Tanya Batson-Savage, Freelance Writer
THE JAMAICA Association of Dramatic Artists (JADA) and the Ministry of Heath are collaborating to present a musical drama on the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The play, dubbed Positive was launched at JADA headquarters, Oxford Road, last week.
Positive was initially born out of a workshop held at Morgan's Harbour by the national HIV/STI Control Programme and JADA last April. The workshop featured various writers with the aim to encourage the use of prevention messages in scripts which feature sexual relationships.
The Ministry of Health wishes to use the power of drama to spread messages about AIDS/HIV as well as dispel myths about the disease. According to the January to June 2004 update, there was a 12 per cent increase in the rate of infection over the same period in 2003. Additionally, studies have revealed that the infection rate among girls and women is steadily climbing over that of boys and men.
ENCOURAGEMENT TO TEST
At the press conference Dr. Peter Figueroa, chief of Epidemiology and AIDS in the Ministry of Health, stated that the ministry believes there are approximately 22,000 people living with HIV but that perhaps two out of every three infected persons are unaware of their infection. As a result, the ministry is also attempting to encourage persons to get tested. Testing Dr. Figueroa pointed out, also allowed persons to reflect on their risk behaviour. Dr. Figueroa also revealed that the ministry was beginning an anti-retroviral access programme through a grant from the Global Fund.
The book for the musical was written by Trevor Rhone with lyrics by Fabian Thomas, who also directs the piece. The production marries two of Thomas' worlds as he is vice-chairman of the Montego Bay Little Theatre Movement and Director of Fundraising for Jamaica AIDS Support and coordinator of its Montego Bay chapter. As such he also acted as technical adviser to Rhone to establish authenticity in the production.
IMPACT OF POVERTY
"Positive is a realistic, honest look at HIV in Jamaica," said Thomas. He explained that the production attempts to look at the impact of poverty, risk behaviour, no risk perception and access to health care on prevention and life with the disease. Even so it tries to avoid being preachy. "The challenge was staying true to the message," Thomas said. "I think Positive is going to inspire people. It's going to scare people," he continued.
The play surrounds an HIV/AIDS educator and his work to inform about prevention practices, safer sex, and abstinence. While the educator attempts to stem the spread of the disease, Hi5 (HIV) tries to encourage the rate of infection.
Produced by Bob Kerr, first vice-pre-sident of JADA, Positive features a cast which combines experienced and new persons in theatre. It comprises Dorothy Cunningham (Sister Bernadine), Robert Clarke (Joe), Michael Nicholson (Pastor), Teisha Duncan (Marilyn), Christopher Gordon (Devon), Everaldo Creary (Hi5) and Camille Davis (Jane).
The production will open at the Barn Theatre on February 17, and is scheduled for 10 performances. The producers are also seeking sponsorship to add four performances at the Ward Theatre targeted at schools. They would also like to engage in performances at the University of the West Indies and the University of Technology as well as taking the show to the rural areas during March and April.
