Araceli Theater Project

Performance

The Araceli Theatre Project culminates in a multi-lingual performance (English/Spanish/Cantonese) and short documentary film that addresses specific themes related to a cancer diagnosis, including: emotional responses to the disease, political views, interpersonal dynamics, and interactions with the health care system.

VIEW QUICKTIME (2 mins) file of performance process.

Rehearsals take place each week over the course of a five-month period. During rehearsals patients develop ideas for skits, work on acting techniques and begin to dramatize their thoughts and feelings on and off stage.

As the participants shape the piece, each are called upon to take on a variety of roles, such as: director, actor, writer, and technician. By stepping into these various roles, participants are able to momentarily step outside the all-encompassing patient role and embody other chosen roles. This powerful aspect of the program offers individuals not only opportunities in personal development, but also the chance to take their creative ideas and put them into action. The final performances are open to the public and hospital community.

⇒ see performance dates and venus.

Role Reversing

The concept of 'role reversal' was developed by psychodrama founder Jacob L. Moreno to define a process of stepping outside oneself to take on an 'other' role. During the final performances the Araceli Theater Project encourages patients, providers, and loved ones to reverse roles with each other. The culminating performances aim to expand the notion of health education, as a the practice in which professionals provide information to the individuals in their care, to include 'reverse-education' in which patients educate their providers.

A cancer diagnosis means many things to different people. For some, it is an opportunity to revaluate priorities and for others it brings up many powerful and complex emotions. The Araceli Theatre Program provides a forum for patients, survivors, and loved ones to voice their thoughts and feelings about how they have been touched by cancer.

Participation in the Araceli Theater Project is open to all patients receiving their care at San Francisco General Hospital and their loved ones, caretakers, and others with a deep personal connection with cancer.

If you are interested in receiving more information about the CARE program or the Araceli Theatre Project please contact us.
Suggested donations are requested at public performances, but no one will be turned away for lack of funds.

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