Glasgow playwright says show must go on
AGLASGOW playwright is determined her play will continue to shine a light on pancreat ic cancer despite the coronavirus pandemic. Isobel Barrett lost her beloved husband John to the disease and the experience propelled her to write the play Islets of Silence.
Driven by a need to reach as many people as possible, Isobel, who is director of Glasgow- based theatre production company, Tram Direct, started touring her play around Scotland earlier this year.
But Covid- 19 meant the tour was cancelled after only three performances.
Isobel felt her mission was incomplete and undeterred, so she channelled her energy into adapting her play to a shortened online recorded version.
And Glasgow- based electro- rockers Unions of Knives have also written an exclusive track called Talk to me Slow, which will accompany the screening.
Isobel said: “I did not know a lot about pancreatic cancer until my husband died of this silent killer.
“Realising that the arts can deliver a powerful message I wrote this play to raise awareness for others.
“The play is about an ordinary family getting through life as we all do until the devastating diagnosis is given.
“As individuals they all react differently but through it all they never lose the close family bond.
“Change happens to us all and this we cannot avoid. However, love, hope, and a belief that things will improve will always see us through the dark tunnel that sometimes engulfs us.”
The play has been funded by Pancreatic Cancer Action Scotland ( PCAS) and also through Culture & Business Fund Scotland match funding managed by Arts & Business Scotland.
Murray Easton, of PCAS, said: “Isobel’s resilience and determination to get her play out to increase awareness about pancreatic cancer is incredible.
“We have a lot of work to do, at present only around 24 per cent of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer will survive beyond 12 months.
“We need to look at new ways of increasing awareness, as early diagnosis can save lives.”
To access the online version visit via fb. me/ e/ 3aDQ5TvtK on World Pancreatic Cancer Day on Thursday.