The 2013 edition of the Pink Crusade is the maiden edition of an annual programme that will use various Entertainment content to create awareness on Breast Cancer. This year will feature a stage drama titled DIVA’S TUSSLE and free breast Ultrasound scan with ticket after the show. In this interview with Daily Review Online, the Producer, Doris Chinasa Ariole, talks more about the play
What inspired the PINK CRUSADE?
This project was inspired by a close relative’s battle with breast cancer. Fortunately she was diagnosed early and she’s gotten her clean bill of health from her Doctor and living life at full crush. The Producer however had to do a lot of research, online and real life interviews, Medical Practitioners etc. A project she conceived 8 years ago, started pushing to crystalize 5 years ago. Most of the people involved in this project have been with her on this journey from inception, however new people came in and all formed a strong bond working together. There were so many stories to tell but it was necessary to narrow it down due to stage time.
LONG TERM VISION FOR PINK CRUSADE
Pink Crusade will be a continuous movement. Every October a new Entertainment content will be released then all through the next 12 months that will follow it will be taken round the country and distributed through various medium. For this stage play it will be a mobile drama troop that will tour the nation. It will also be captured on video and distributed on Cable and Local TV platforms.
What do you want audiences to take away?
Our audience should walk away knowing that early detection and proper medical treatment is the only key to survival. We want them aware, vigilant and well informed of breast cancer. So many wrong conceptions about the the disease will be corrected, breast cancer will be demystified. The importance of emotional stability in the fight against breast cancer will be brought to light. It’s not only a physical battle. Its aggression will not be denied or under played but the believe that it is always a death sentence from day one will be corrected. It is late detection and/or poor or absence of proper medical treatment that makes it a death sentence, early detection increases the chances of survival. The characters have been carefully designed to suit a wide strata. From youths to aged, illiterate to elite, all will find a place in one or two characters, making it easy for everyone to connect and flow with the different story lines.
What surprised you as you were working on this project?
As the producer I must say that working on this project made me realise that the word “breast cancer” draws a lot of attention. Many fear it, many misunderstand it, many chose to live in denial of its reality as a way of keeping it from happening to them. But all have heard about it, just few are well informed about it. Even amongst the learned. But a good surprise was the willingness of most Corporate and Individual bodies to support us. Almost everyone had a story they’ve witnessed personally or heard about breast cancer. It’s like a taboo that we are just getting to deal with. A sad surprise is we don’t have enough awareness and medical care system to match its aggressive spread. Most shocking was the few Corporate Brands that didn’t see breast cancer fight as being in line with their Corporate vision, even as a Corporate social responsibility.
What was the hardest part of working on this stage play?
Even though I’ve been trying to pull this off for 5 years, I actually started late this year. With so many negative responses over the years I nearly let this year pass by. I started with nothing but family, friends and a committed team who understood the vision. There was also Mrs Ebun Anozie of C.O.P.E NGO, she ensured that all facts to be released in the script were medically correct. She had an oncologist approve them all. Until our Corporate and Individual sponsors came on board, it was very tough working day to day.
What differentiates this project from other breast cancer awareness projects?
The most distinct thing about Pink Crusade is that it uses Entertainment, a tool everyone understands and actually needs. There hasn’t been any Entertainment piece solely for breast cancer awareness in Nigeria. In the past, few were privileged to watch foreign films that lightly touched it. The Pink Crusade is more detailed in its approach, it captures the full attention of the audience through entertainment that is loaded with educative information on breast cancer. The language is simple and story lines very original and African in nature, for easy acceptance by the audience. Even foreigners will be thrilled and enlightened as it is always a welcoming experience to explore new cultures.
THE EVENT
It is a two days event with five shows.
Venue: The Terrakulture, Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage, off Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island Lagos.
SHOW 1: 18th October 2013 12 pm
This will be the Matinee performance for female youths from senior secondary schools, university undergraduates, female members of the NYSC
SHOW 2: 18th October 2013 6PM
This will be for the upward and mobile crowd that wish to relax after work and general
SHOW 3: 19th October 2013 12pm
Another performance for the public
SHOW 4: 19th October 2013 3pm
Another performance for the public
SHOW 5: COMMAND PERFORMANCE
19th October 2013 5PM Red carpet starts