Zoe’s Gift is a new Greek comedy that examines the stigma of cancer in the Greek community and the role families play in keeping secrets.
The play, created by Melba Papas and directed by Stavros Economidis, is performed in Greek with English subtitles. The comedy is part of the Hellenic Art Theatre project, funded by the Cancer Institute of NSW, who have supported a multicultural theatre program.
Research has shown that factors such as believing that cancer is a death sentence, misconceptions about the causes of cancer and cultural taboos around discussing cancer openly contribute to stigma being associated with cancer in many culturally diverse communities. Many barriers like language and religion see many ethnically diverse people forgoing screenings and tests for life-threatening illnesses.
The theatre program has already showcased plays in other languages including an Arabic drama called Out and Away. The play is part of the theatre based health promotion project ‘Alive and out there’.
Zoe’s Gift is on until August 11 at The Greek Theatre ‘Mantouridion’, Greek Cultural Centre, Bulding 36, 146 Addison Road, Marrickville. Friday and Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 5pm. Tickets are $20 ($15 concession), contact Melba on (02) 9519 8104 or Evelyn on 0413989007.