Araceli Theater Project

The ARACELI Theater Project presents "Life . . . is 4 Living!," an original script and production that gives voice to the complex personal, political and spiritual beliefs surrounding the cancer experience. Acclaimed theater actor/director Donald E. Lacy, Jr. directs this theatrical production, which was written by members of Araceli Theatre and Mr. Lacy.

The Araceli Theater Project is patient-centered, and reaches many individuals who face tremendous challenges related to poverty and their arising medical needs. The Project culminates in a multilingual performance (English/Spanish/Cantonese) addressing specific themes related to a cancer diagnosis, including: emotional responses to the disease, socio-political views, interpersonal dynamics, and interactions with the health care system. The project is a component of the nationally recognized and award-winning CARE (Cancer Awareness, Resources, and Education) program of San Francisco General Hospital.

Araceli: A loose acronym signifying ARt As CElebration of LIfe. The Araceli Theater Project was also named in memory of Araceli Vargas, a young mother and passionate Spanish CARE (Cancer Awareness, Resources and Education) participant who lost her battle with cervical cancer in 2004.

The Araceli Theater Project is offered through the award-winning CARE program of San Francisco General Hospital (SFGH). CARE was initiated in 2002 to provide education, psychosocial support, and community building opportunities to cancer patients receiving their medical care at SFGH. Araceli Theater is an inovative multi-lingual (English/Spanish/Cantonese) patient-centered theater project that grew out of CARE, and is directed by experienced performing arts professionals. During the course of the Araceli Theater Project, participants are guided through a theater exploration that culminates in an original theatrical production, written, conceived, and performed in collaboration with project participants. Most of the participants in the Araceli Theater Project have no acting experience at all, and have chosen to venture onto a new stage at a critical juncture in their lives. The program fosters dialogue among different patient and provider communities and aims to encourage a deeper awareness of the complex issues surrounding the cancer experience.

Gratitude to the generous sponsors and supporters the San Francisco Arts Commission, the San Francisco Foundation, Rainbow Grocery Cooperative, El Metate, Good Frickin' Chicken, and A Black Tie Affair catering.

DIRECTOR'S STATEMENT

When I was presented the opportunity to direct a script with people who were living with, and or have lost loved ones to cancer, I felt a deep sense of responsibility to tell the story correctly. After all, these are real stories, with real people, who are not "professional actors." To be more succinct, I wanted the story to tell me what it wanted to say. The first day of rehearsal I turned on my digital recorder and documented the stories of the wonderful people who make up our fine ensemble. I was moved to tears as I heard them the first time, and moved even deeper when I listened to their stories over and over.

I was inspired by the remarkable courage, and optimism exhibited by people who had faced death, and lived to tell the story. All I did was craft the individual stories that the cast told me, into a play that contains the experiences that they shared with me those first few rehearsals. After several weeks of rehearsing and reliving the pain and triumph of some of the most beautiful people I have ever known, I can honestly say in my 25 years in theater that this is by far one experience I will never forget. I have been truly blessed to meet and work with such high quality individuals as the people you will see on stage tonight. I am sure you will find that Life . . . is 4 Living! is a story that has been waiting to be told. It is my deepest hope that this play will help us all develop an appreciation for the gift that life is . . . for all of us. Thank you for sharing this special production with us. Peace and blessings to all . . . .

Donald E. Lacy, Jr.
Director/Writer

GOALS

Decrease the sense of isolation accompanying a cancer diagnosis

Give a voice to the complex emotions that arise out of a cancer diagnosis
Raise participants’ self-esteem, assertiveness, and creativity

Create a safe and structured space in which participants can gain recognition for their achievements

Increase visibility of interpersonal and internal issues that evolve from interaction with, and dependence on the health care system

Enhance communication between patients and health care providers