Doctor’s eye view of health inequities hits the stage - win tickets

Rage inspired him to write the book in the first place, and he says his fury that inequities are being allowed to continue is still present.

“In the time since the play was first set to run, the issues in the health system have deepened and are more pressing than ever before, but with that comes a greater opportunity to make change and progress in a purposeful way,” says Dr Galler.

He hopes the play will make people reflect on their position and their values.

“It’s supposed to question the audience. With changes in government there is always incremental [movement] one way or the other. But never anything significant.”

Dr Galler has recently been working as executive lead on Te Mauri o Rongo – New Zealand Health Charter, a document aiming to value health workers.

The charter and the play go together well, he says. “Our public health service is a taonga,” and the play aims to shine a light on the struggles society faces.

Born and raised in Wellington to Jewish/Polish parents, Dr Galler brought his family’s holocaust experiences to the book. His mother survived Auschwitz concentration camp, and this helped to inform his perception of inequity.

Award-winning playwright Gary Henderson has done a great job of adapting the book for the stage, he says. The themes – family, south Auckland stories, commercial and social determinants of health, personal responsibility and racism – have been woven together well.

“The south Auckland community is so full of potential,” Dr Galler says. “The kids are smart and capable, and we cripple them [with inequity].”

The play runs 11 to 27 August at ASB Waterfront Theatre.

Health workers are invited to attend with up to 50 per cent off the standard ticket price. Tickets are on sale now.