The Islets of Silence (The C Word) is a play written by Isobel Barrett, who has personal experience of the illness
A new play has been launched which aims to shine a light on a cancer that is being kept in the dark.
The Islets of Silence (The C Word) is a play written by Isobel Barrett, director of Glasgow-based theatre production company Tram Direct.
Isobel has written this play from the heart. It centres around the Gourlay family, who are dealing with everyday situations most of us recognise. Parenting, teenagers, growing up, school, work, hopes, dreams, plans for the future, friendships – relationships.
Then life throws a grenade. A pancreatic cancer diagnosis. Everything changes and flips upside down.
Isobel knows how that feels - she lost her husband John to the disease two years ago. Of all the major cancers, pancreatic cancer has the lowest survival rates. However, with earlier diagnosis and optimal treatment, patients can have the best chance of survival.
Isobel has written the play to shine a light on a cancer which has low awareness - in the best way she knows – using the arts.
She 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 decided to write a play to raise awareness for others.”
While the topic is tough, the play is heart-warming and full of humour. There’s a wry Scottish observational view of life and its many ups and downs.
As a former teacher, Isobel knows the importance of engaging the younger generation, and the impact they can make, especially in the world we live in now.
The play has been funded by Pancreatic Cancer Scotland (PCS) and also through Culture & Business Fund Scotland match funding managed by Arts & Business Scotland.
Within the play there’s hope, which resonates with charity PCS, who continue to raise awareness and have a vision for the 2020s to be the decade of change for pancreatic cancer.
Murray Easton, head of fundraising and supporter relations for PCS, said: “Survival rates for pancreatic cancer have barely improved in five decades and awareness levels remain low. 76% of people in Scotland cannot name a symptom of pancreatic cancer. We need to take action and as a charity we are determined to change the numbers.
“We need to look at new ways of increasing awareness. When our supporter Isobel Barrett approached us regarding Islets of Silence (The C Word) we thought it was an excellent way to reach more people through the arts; local theatre networks, local press and social media.
“Writing has proved to be very therapeutic for Isobel and we know how much hard work has gone into getting the play to this stage.”
The play will tour various venues throughout Scotland from March through to September. To book, contact the venues or visit the online site.
