October is not only recognised as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, but it also serves as a crucial time to reflect on the broader issue of cancer in all its forms, including paediatric cancer. 

While the pink ribbon symbolises the fight against breast cancer, it is essential to acknowledge that cancer affects individuals of all ages and encompasses a wide range of types, including leukaemia, brain tumours, and neuroblastoma, which predominantly impact children. 

This month encourages communities to come together to raise awareness about the importance of early detection and research funding for all cancers, particularly those that affect the youngest and most vulnerable among us.

In addition to promoting breast cancer awareness, October highlights the need for comprehensive support systems for cancer patients and their families. A month ago, Clutch Plays Theatre staged a production of ‘The Amazing Lemonade Girl’. Based on the true story of a young girl named Alex who bravely battled cancer, the play intertwines themes of resilience, hope, and community support.

Inspiring hope and action

At the heart of ‘The Amazing Lemonade Girl’ is Alex, a spirited young girl whose entrepreneurial spirit shines through her determination to sell lemonade to fundraise for childhood cancer treatments. The narrative highlights not only her personal struggles but also her desire to support other children facing similar challenges. 

The production’s Artistic Director Mayaan Haputantri noted that the decision to stage this play stemmed from a deep connection to its themes. “Once we read the play and realised what the show was about, it became a no-brainer to partner with a cancer-related charity,” he explained, revealing the company’s commitment to not just entertain but also to advocate for important social issues.

In line with the play’s message of hope and support, Clutch Plays Theatre will be donating 100% of the net proceeds from the show to the Indira Cancer Trust’s paediatric cancer programme. 

Initiated in 2016, the Indira Cancer Trust has a distinguished record of supporting hundreds of cancer patients and their families through initiatives such as the ‘Suwa Arana’ programme, which offers a comforting home away from home for underprivileged families who must travel long distances for their child’s treatment and care.

The script itself was meticulously chosen from hundreds of potential options. “After spending a couple of weeks looking at several hundred scripts, we instantly knew we wanted to do it,” Mayaan shared. This careful selection process reflects Clutch Plays Theatre’s dedication to presenting narratives that resonate with audiences, allowing them to leave the theatre with something meaningful.

‘The Amazing Lemonade Girl’ brings attention to the struggles faced by young patients and their families, encouraging the audience to engage with these pressing issues. By collaborating with a paediatric programme, Clutch Plays Theatre aims to foster community involvement and support. 

“We always try to do a show where someone can walk out feeling better than when they walked in,” Mayaan remarked. This sentiment encapsulates the essence of the play: to inspire hope and action.

Staging the play 

The emotional impact of the performance is amplified by the intimate setting chosen for the production. Mayaan emphasised the importance of venue selection, stating: “It had to be intimate; it couldn’t be a huge stage removed from the audience.” 

This decision ensures that the audience feels close to the action, allowing the poignant moments of the play to land more effectively. The production took place at Kamatha, a venue that provided the perfect aesthetic backdrop for such a heartfelt narrative. The choice of a small stage not only enhanced visibility but also fostered a sense of connection among the audience.

Clutch Plays Theatre’s approach to the play is characterised by an experimental theatre methodology that pushes creative boundaries. The production team aimed to create an engaging atmosphere that resonated with viewers on multiple levels. 

Mayaan said: “Once I read the script, I knew the good things were there”. This is evident in the thoughtful direction and performances that showcase the cast’s talent and the script’s emotional depth.

By sharing Alex’s journey, Clutch Plays Theatre encourages individuals to engage with the cause and consider how they can contribute to the fight against cancer. 

The set design, lighting, and overall artistic direction work in harmony to create a space that feels both warm and inviting, mirroring the central themes of compassion and support found in Alex’s story. The combination of thoughtful staging and emotional storytelling captivates the audience, inviting them to reflect on their own experiences with adversity.

Celebration of resilience

‘The Amazing Lemonade Girl’ opens with its main character (played by Danielle Toussaint) sitting down to tell the audience the colourful story of her short but incredibly impactful life. 

Diagnosed with neuroblastoma at the age of one, Alex spent most of her short life in and out of hospitals, enduring surgeries and treatments. Yet it wasn’t her illness that defined her but her unwavering determination to raise money for cancer research by selling lemonade. Her lemonade stand inspired others and after her death formed the base of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation for Childhood Cancer. 

Toussaint beautifully captures the spirit of a child who chose optimism over despair and action over helplessness. The rest of the ensemble (Januki Jayakody, Hajarah Faleel, Nethra Peiris, Tahsha de Silva, and Dulya de Silva) take on multiple roles when helping Alex narrate the story of her life, adding depth and nuance to the different and often heartbreaking situations Alex, her friends, and her family live through while dealing with her diagnosis. 

‘The Amazing Lemonade Girl’ is meant as more than just a theatrical performance; it is a celebration of resilience, a tribute to those who battle cancer, and a call to action for the community. Clutch Plays Theatre’s thoughtful production under Mayaan’s direction resonates deeply, reminding audiences of the power of hope and the importance of supporting one another through life’s challenges.

As the curtain fell on this inspiring tale, the audience left not only entertained but also with a renewed sense of purpose. Clutch Plays Theatre has successfully combined artistry with advocacy, creating a meaningful cultural event that shines a light on important social issues, particularly in the context of increased cancer awareness during October. 

By engaging with stories like Alex’s, we are reminded of our shared humanity and the impact we can have when we choose to act with kindness and compassion.