Inspiring role

~ Veteran actor Henry Jayasena reaches out to Maharagama Hospital cancer patients and their families through a DVD titled Mage Kathawe

Known for his long and distinguished career in theatre and on the screen spanning many decades, Henry Jayasena could well be described as a living legend. Yet ask him about his most cherished memories over the years and it is a measure of the man that it is not the accolades he has received as an actor and director that come first. “The day I got married…the day I had my son,” he says.

Of course, winning numerous awards for his production ‘Kuveni’, acting in ‘Gamperaliya’ and bringing to life the internationally acclaimed ‘Hunuwataye Kathawa’ (The Chalk Circle) on the Sri Lankan stage, are what he recalls next. Then more difficult memories come to mind: “The time in my life that I had cancer and the day my wife passed away too, were quite memorable, possibly the most memorable times in my life, but of course in a very different way…”

Having quietly stepped away from the limelight since his bout with cancer in 1999, Henry Jayasena’s life seems to have gone full circle, from the role of renowned actor/director to that of writer, mentor, advisor and confidante. His latest venture is one that reaches out to people- a DVD titled ‘Mage Kathawe’ - the story of his personal experience with the dreaded illness.

The DVD produced in collaboration with ‘Mithuruwela’ the cancer support network, will be handed over to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), Maharagama on October 19 at the NCI Auditorium at 10.30 a.m. The Hospital will then screen it regularly for patients, their families and other interested parties. Mithuruwela is a registered non-profit organisation involved in bringing greater awareness and understanding of cancer, its causes, prevention and treatment regimes for people living with cancer, their family, friends and caregivers. As a part of their information activities they had approached Mr. Jayasena and discussed the idea of him relating his own experience with cancer in order to reach out to other patients, would-be patients and their families, as a source of strength and inspiration. “Even before when I was receiving treatment from Dr. J. Balawardena, he suggested that I do a short inspirational movie/documentary about my experience with cancer,” Mr. Jayasena recalls.

Having suffered from ‘Duke C’ (Stage 3) colon cancer in 1999, having undergone fairly major surgery, the removal of six cm of his colon and having to endure 17 months of numerous treatments, including chemotherapy and ray-treatment, his story will strike a chord with other sufferers and also encourage many not to lose hope. “Chemo is quite a nasty experience; most likely one of the most repulsive treatments you can ever go through,” says Mr. Jayasena. His book ‘Balha Gilano – A Story of a Cancer Patient’ (written first in Sinhala and then English) was yet another venture of his to give courage and strength to cancer patients and their caregivers, he said.

The response has been heartening. Having left a few of his books at the Cancer Hospital and Library, he was once contacted by a patient (as his number was given on the book) who had read his book and was questioned regarding the patient’s many doubts and fears, which Mr. Jayasena was able to put to rest. “This being the main purpose of writing the book, I’m happy that it’s fulfilling its purpose,” he added modestly. “Through both my book and the DVD, I hope to share my story with people going through similar experiences and help remove the ‘fear factor’ from their minds, give them confidence and reassure them that, there are, in fact, many others going through the same thing. They need to know that their situation is not unique and that they’re not alone and that they just have to face up to their fears rather than give in to them.”

Yet another time, an anxious mother who had read his book had called him for support and yet again he was able to ease her fears, he said. “It’s like sharing a difficult moment with a friend.

When faced with a terminal/serious illness such as cancer, most people first tend to go into a state of denial or disbelief and angrily question how and why such a thing could happen to them, he says. They simply refuse to believe the reality of the situation for a while. When finally they begin to accept their circumstance, believing that it’s their karma or however they choose to accept it, things become a lot easier. “For instance if we know that an enemy is approaching, it’s always best to prepare yourself for what you’re going to face than go blindfolded into it,” he says adding “it’s always best to be in your right senses and have the will to fight it.”

“However, my lifestyle has changed quite drastically and my social life has changed quite a bit since the time of my illness as I’m not as energetic and active as I was before. I believe old age too must have some part to play in my having to slow things down,” he said with a laugh. “Those days I would take part in plays and movies, go watch plays all the time and was even the Deputy Director General of the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation from 1982-88,” he said.

He recalls the time he brought on stage a revival of ‘Hunuwataye Kathawa’ with a new, young cast, in 2004. Having ‘hung up his acting shoes’, together with his beloved wife Manel in 1999 when he got ill, he said the revival of his production in 2004, was an amazing experience even though he was not acting in it.

“I must admit though that my experience with cancer made a better person of me. I’m now much more tolerant and understanding of others’ pain, suffering and troubles,” he says with deep sincerity.

Now retired yet adamant to help anyone in need, in any capacity he’s able to, Mr. Jayasena writes his column in the Daily News, gives interviews whenever he’s approached, takes daily walks, shares his wealth of knowledge and experience with all who seek it, catches a “must watch” play now and then and helps out with ‘Hunuwataye Kathawa’ whenever he can. That’s a true legend if ever you were to see one…

His book ‘Balha Gilano – A Story of a Cancer Patient’ is available at the Godage Book Emporium, Maradana.