Getting to the bottom of a taboo problem 1

Fundraising | 7 Feb 2008

Theatre has a long and distinguished history, and has covered an enormous number of issues and subjects in that time.

But playwright, novelist and poet Benjamin Zephaniah has now tackled an issue which probably hasn’t made the stage before.

Prostate cancer is more usually associated with the operating theatre, but Zephaniah has penned a comedy for the Prostate Cancer Charity aimed at raising awareness of the disease among men from African Caribbean communities in the UK.

Entitled De Botty Business, it follows the experience of a man who faces being tested for the disease and explores the cultural fears, myths and taboos that surround it.

The play will premiere tomorrow at the Hackney Empire in London, with proceeds from ticket sales benefiting the charity.

It will then go on tour, with free performances taking place in community centres in Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and Liverpool during Prostate Cancer Awareness Week.

Despite being the most common cancer diagnosed among men, prostate cancer is rarely used as the main storyline, according to Ali Orhan, community involvement manager at the Prostate Cancer Charity.

“It can be difficult to reach African Caribbean men and to get them interested in their health, but statistics show that African Caribbean men are three times more likely to develop prostate cancer than white men – so it is vital that we reach these people.

“By talking about prostate cancer in a humorous way, De Botty Business will help us dispel common myths associated with the disease so that many more African Caribbean men will be aware of the truth behind the taboo.”

Benjamin Zephaniah said: “Writing De Botty Business has been a fantastic way for me to get involved in the work of the Prostate Cancer Charity and connect the work they do and the work I do to the African Caribbean community.

“The most important thing I have learned about prostate cancer is not to remain ignorant about it. It's about us. I want all African Caribbean men to be aware of the higher risk they face of developing the disease and am looking forward to seeing everyone come together at the premiere to support what has been a neglected and misunderstood cause.”

Directory: Prostate Cancer Charity

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Chris Bayliss
5 Mar 2008

I think this is a positive step. As someone diagnosed with prostate cancer last year, I'm strongly in favour of anything that raises the profile and makes people better informed!

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