(THE EPITOME OF LOVE)

BY AKECH OBAT MASIRA

A SCREEN PLAYS BY MISANGO ARTS ENSEMBLE

(based on voluntary medical male circumcision)

SYNOPSIS

CHANGE of attitude is a major challenge in a major communities faced with the idea of change outside the general cultural mainstream. The Luo nation is not left out, especially when it comes to male circumcision which is currently in vogue. Diehard traditionalists still find it hard to com 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 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 battle many in the cities and villages – human beings at risk.

This is where science and arts meet at a tangent, mingling and jostling each other to creatively emerge with a solution that would in the short – term as well as in the long – term 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 single most 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 CIRCUMSICION in the general wider context.

In this context here with, 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?.