Chicken Pepper Soup

Written by Farah Najib / Performed by Adaya Henry / Directed by Nigel Townsend

Meet Ife

Ife talks about her dad who is part of the clinically shielded group. After nearly losing Dad six years ago, Ife can’t believe how close she and her family come to losing him again – this time at the hands of Covid-19. His illness gives the family insight into his very real fears that medicine is just another way for him to be treated unfairly. Dad is now vulnerable and needs to stay indoors. He just gets out of breath making a cup of tea.

Whilst in hospital, her Dad was asked to take part in the Recovery trial whilst in hospital. He declined. She tells us why his fear makes sense to her. This film explores the resistance to taking part in research amongst the African community – and specifically within her own Nigerian community.

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Script

Extracts

But we took it seriously

It was six years ago. We were all in the kitchen one morning, Mum was cooking sausages for breakfast, and Dad just…collapsed. Brain haemorrhage. He nearly died. It was really scary. (beat) Now every time I smell sausages, I think about that. Brains are weird.

His health is still fragile, like he has to go for regular check-ups. When all the Coronavirus stuff started happening, this letter comes that says he has to stay at home for twelve weeks because he’s ‘extremely vulnerable’. He moaned about that which I get, to be honest. Dad’s the strongest person I know. But we took it seriously.

Playwright Farah Najib talking about Chicken pepper soup

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These digital drama’s are fictional pieces commissioned by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) and produced in collaboration with Leeds university. The content of each film is an artistic interpretation based on authentic patient voices and therefore, the views expressed are not necessarily those of the NHS, the NIHR or the Department of Health and Social Care or the collaborating organisations.