A recipe for heroism

Adding to the heroic aura of Dr Krisana Kraisintu, the award-winning inventor of a slew of anti-HIV drugs that she's ensured are available to everyone in need, "Cocktail" can't fail to stir the emotions.

Veteran director Dangkamon "Khru Fiat" Na Pombejra came across the script of "Cocktail", the 2007 play by Americans Vince LiCata and Ping Chong based on her life and work.

"I already knew about her from TV and magazines and I was tremendously impressed that she's so strong, dedicated and compassionate," says Khru Fiat.

The play, he says, is "fun, hilarious, tragic, surprising and touching", particularly in its revelation that selfishness, narrow-mindedness and ignorance were barring the production and distribution of these life-saving drugs.

Khru Fiat researched Aids, the drugs, patent law, patient rights and the HIV situation from Samui to the Congo for his version of "Cocktail", coming to the stage later this month.

Portraying Dr Krisana is theatre professor Bhanbhassa "Khru Ning" Dhubtien, the only Thai member of New York's Actors' Studio.

"I asked her not to 'be' Dr Krisana, but instead 'show' her fight against all odds," says Khru Fiat.

"I think that's what people can really relate to, rather than just sitting back and watching this superwoman character and thinking, 'Well, I'm not Dr Krisana!'"

Produced by Chulalongkorn University's Dramatic Arts Department, the production is supported by its Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences' Health Consumer Protection Project.

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In the mix

"Cocktail" is at the Bangkok Art and Culture Centre's Studio 4 from August 20 to 30, daily except Monday at 7pm with 2pm shows on the weekends.

Krisana will join a panel discussion after the matinees on August 22 and 23. On August 29, theatre critics led by Kittisak Suvannapokhin will share their views of the play.

Tickets are Bt400 (half-price for students) at the CU Book Centres in Siam Square and Chamchuri Square.

For more details, see www.Krisana.org.