The premiere of “I Have Sugar … Why Should You?” took place at the David Thompson Secondary School auditorium in Vancouver on Thursday, June 26. A modest crowd of 200 took in the play that raised many questions about the South Asian lifestyle, more specifically, how family life can help and hinder one’s suffering with diabetes.
The Sunset Seniors Giddha team and the Guru Nanak Elementary School Girls Ghidda team delighted the crowd with traditional performances before the play began. Guests were greeted with community booths from Pharamasave health check, the Medicine Shoppe and the Canadian Diabetes Association.
“I have Sugar … Why Should You?” was the question posed to Vancouver’s South Asian Community. Written and performed in Punjabi by an all-South Asian cast, the play had the audience agreeing that they didn’t want diabetes. The play explored what happens in a family when one member is diagnosed with diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes is one of the fastest growing diseases in Canada and the incidence among South Asians is much higher compared to other migrant Canadians.
The play depicted the everyday life of a multi-generational family living together under one roof. During the hour-long play the characters explained how important it is to be tested for diabetes and how it takes an entire family to cope with the disease. The emphasis on family support and how to prepare healthy options headlined the play.
“Foods that used to be reserved for special occasions, like samosas, or sweets like barfi, ladoo, gulab jamun, or jalabeez are now everyday treats South Asians eat,” says Jessie Kooner, public health nurse, who played the mother in the play.
Public health nurse Manav Gill says: “This is an all too common occurrence in the South Asian community. A person is diagnosed with diabetes but has a hard time adjusting to this new reality. They also face challenges within the family.”
Gill wrote and directed the play and says that many high fat and sweet South Asian dishes aren’t suitable for people with diabetes. The play offered the whole family something they could relate to. The play included a “healthy roti wrap” demonstrated by a dietician, which the entire crowd appreciated.
The play’s mission was to present a strong message on how a healthier overall lifestyle for the entire family can prevent the disease. The idea for the play came out of a community health forum held last September. The funding for the event was provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada.
The play worked well for the South Asian crowd as it entertained and educated them. Health professionals were on hand from the South Asian community to answer questions and provide resource materials to all. At the end of the night, everyone was treated to baked samosas, roti wraps, veggies and chai tea.
|
