What is Cerebral Palsy? And how is it connected to the themes of the play?
Cerebral Palsy can be broken down into two parts: cerebral, which means “of the brain”; and palsy, meaning “lack of muscle control”(OFCP, 2014). It is essentially muscle control damage that occurs as a result of a static, non-progressive trauma in the cerebral portion of the brain. This disorder is normally identified before the age of 2, and people diagnosed with this disorder struggle with movement and posture.
The symptoms vary; however, typical complications may include motor skills deficiency, imbalance, and muscle weakness. Moreover, these difficulties may range in level of severity from minor to major.
Researchers have discovered that cerebral palsy can come in a variety of forms, which can be classified into three main categories:
Spastic Cerebral Palsy
Athetoid/Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy
Ataxic Cerebral Palsy
Spastic Cerebral Palsy is the rigidity that occurs in the muscles. This is due to the improper transmittal that may arise from the injured portion of the brain. Athetoid Cerebral Palsy, also known as “Dyskinetic”, is the movements that occur uncontrollably and become especially noticeable when the individual begins to move. People with this form of cerebral palsy usually have fragile muscles. In contrast, Ataxic Cerebral Palsy is characterized by unsteady movements, and usually affects the balance of the individual. Ataxic is the least common amongst form of cerebral palsy, but it is important to note that individuals with this disorder are susceptible to having more than one kind at the same time. This is known as Mixed Cerebral Palsy. This may be the combination of any two together or may even include all three together. However, Mixed Cerebral Palsy is normally caused by head injuries related to child abuse, car accidents, cranial injuries in sports, and other head trauma.
Photo #1: A diagram illustrating the different types of Cerebral Palsies and their location in the brain
How can Cerebral Palsy be cured?
Unfortunately, science has not yet found a cure for this disorder, though there have been multiple treatments put in place in order to aid children in improving their capabilities. These occur in ways that allows them to manage their disabilities while teaching them how to pursue their daily activities and accomplish challenging tasks. However, the success rates of such procedures are higher when the treatments start earlier, as opposed to starting at a later stage in life. These therapies include physical, occupational, recreation, speech, and eating therapies, but the types of therapies provided to aid individuals with such illnesses should be designed in accordance with the needs of the individual patients.
Cerebral Palsy and its Connection to The Play "Sequence"
The play "Sequence", written by Arun Lakra, uncovers a few controversial topics that outline the reasons behind certain illnesses, issues, and outcomes in life. These themes are discussed and debated through the use of cerebral palsy.
What is Cerebral Palsy's purpose in the play?
According to Dr. Guzman, Mr. Adamson’s dreadful luck is the reason for his cerebral palsy. She is a strong believer that God has nothing to do with his condition, and seems to refuse his existence. Dr. Guzman also believes that luck is programmed into the human genes, and that the power of God has nothing to do with it. This in turn poses an argument between her and her student, Mr. Adamson, who is a true believer in God, and associates his disability with God’s decision. This is proven as he states, “I think God makes everything happen for a reason” (Lakra, 29)
The author, Arun Lakra presents this play in a very unique way. He does this with the intention of relating the themes of the play back to Mr. Adamson's disorder in order to uncover the reasons behind his illness. This is by presenting different views and standpoints without biasing any opinions. So the author reveals these perspectives by focusing on the three following questions:
“Is luck programmed into our genes?”
“Can sequence occur simultaneously?”
And “Is God’s existence necessary to begin life?"
The author then uses this illness in the play by questioning whether Mr. Adamson's disabilities are God's actions or just his horrible luck. This is by presenting a debate that occurs between an atheist and a religious person.
In conclusion, the author uses Mr. Adamson’s disorder to address those topics in a way that can be understood by the audience. This is because sequence, luck and God can be correlated to his disability, allowing the audience to grasp the main idea effectively, while presenting different viewpoints by using this illness as an example.
Photo #2: Nancy Palk, Jesse LaVercombe in Sequence (photo by Cylla von Tiedemann).
Mr. Adamsons' Cerebral Palsy Condition presented through the use of a wheelchair
References:
http://www.ofcp.ca/about-cerebral-palsy/
https://link-springer com.ledproxy2.uwindsor.ca/content/pdf/10.1007%2Fb138647.pdf
http://www.bcchildrens.ca/health-info/coping-support/cerebral-palsy
http://www.cpalberta.com/about-us/what-is-cerebral-palsy/
https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Cerebral-Palsy-Hope-Through-Research
https://www.canadianplayoutlet.com/products/sequence
http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/sequence/
Photo references:
Photo #1: produced by WorldCPDay.org. Found on http://www.ofcp.ca/about-cerebral-palsy/
Photo #2: Found on http://www.tarragontheatre.com/show/sequence/