THE Indian Arrival Committee (IAC) last weekend presented its play, “When Chocolate melts” at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) that speaks to the issue of domestic violence, and the dangers that can ensue for family members.

The play, written and directed by Neaz Subhan, following the staging of Vijay Tendulkar’s  “Kanyadaan” in 2008, examines some thematic areas with regard to family, while emphasising the challenges faced when confronted with the horrors of domestic abuse and its related effects.
It features a cast of 11, and is staged under the theme: “A Saga of strength and weakness. Stop Abuse! Love your family!”
Among the attendees were Prime Minister Samuel Hinds and Minister of Human Services and Social Security Jennifer Webster. The minister commended the IAC for the work it has been doing with families, using art and culture to portray messages in their plays to sensitise persons on societal ills.

She pointed out that the issues of domestic violence and gender- based violence affect all, and Government has done a lot in this regard.
“It is a responsibility of all of us to recognise that we live in a society where there is prevalence of violence in the homes, violence in schools and we cannot ignore these issues because the socialisation process is quite important and the family also is very important in our everyday lives,” Minister Webster highlighted.
“Every day we read about acts of violence committed, women losing their lives through abuse, and I think that all of us must recognise our roles and responsibilities, we must pay attention to what goes on in our communities, in our schools, in our surroundings,” Minister Webster urged.
Twelve days in November have been designated by the United Nations for activism to end violence in countries around the world, starting on November 25.
Meanwhile Subhan pointed out that the play does not portray music and dances as previous IAC productions because domestic violence is not something that is celebrated.
“What is ironic is that in our own lives sometimes we cannot adjust our scripts, and I say that because a movie can have a certain message or messages and it’s all about your reception, your interpretation of what should be right or what is perceived to be right,” he said.
He further urged everyone to do what they can to curb gender-based violence in Guyana. “I know that there are people doing good work and I commend them, but I believe sometimes that they are caught up in their own lives and nothing is wrong with that, but because they are caught up sometimes that our reaction to the message of domestic violence is fleeting,” added Subhan.
Domestic violence now labelled as gender-based violence, unfortunately continues to plague societies with devastating effects in many instances, he stated. “Often, death, which seems an ultimate outcome, overshadows the lingering trauma faced by surviving members, especially children. Their challenges in a broken home, while brought to fore in a headline case are quickly banished from the media spotlight because cases are swiftly replaced by others on the front page. The cycle continues unfortunately,” he said.

(GINA)