Breast cancer survivors tell their stories
Breast cancer survivors will tell their stories from the stage this weekend in the play "I Am Not My Breasts" as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The play is written and directed by 27-year-old Janet O'Hare, who created it earlier this year at Emerson College as her master's thesis for a degree in theater education, with an emphasis on community education.
"I had a friend die from (breast) cancer at a young age, she was 25 years old. She did not know about the need for a self exam and was too young to be seeing her doctor regularly regarding breast health or to be getting mammograms," said O'Hare. "I wanted to use my strengths in theater and use the stage as a way to educate the community about this epidemic and to provide a place for these women to tell their stories. Everyone wants to be heard."
"I Am Not My Breasts" is based on the true experiences of 11 women who are breast cancer survivors. It was written from extensive interviews and video and oral documentation over the course of a year.
It focuses on strength, courage, wisdom and the importance of laughter in one of life's most challenging moments.
Lisa Johnson, 42, of Bridgewater will tell how she was diagnosed at age 38 and describe her chemotherapy, mastectomy, radiation, reconstruction and hormone therapy in an attempt to give other breast cancer survivors hope. "It certainly would have given me hope," said Johnson. "There are definitely moments that are sad, but all of us are living. The biggest fear for me was dying and leaving (my daughter). I think just seeing that we're all still here will be a huge inspiration."
Some performers tell stories of double mastectomies, reconstruction, prostheses and losing their hair. Some chose to wear a wig, some a scarf, some just embrace their baldness.
Anne Fagen, 58, another of the four Bridgewater women in the production, will detail her thoughts and feelings and provide a healing outlet for the survivors and their families and friends in the audience.
"We are all survivors, we've just taken different routes to get there. We are a sisterhood of breast cancer survivors," Fagen said. "The audience will see our souls. The audience will hopefully understand the mental anguish and the devastation we experience upon learning we have breast cancer and how the human spirit has triumphed over it. The audience will see that life goes on, embracing a new body, a new normal. That life has meaning and hope and opportunity."
IF YOU GO
"I Am Not My Breasts" will be performed at the Massasoit Community College Performing Arts Center on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m. Each performance will be followed by a discussion during which the audience can ask the actors questions.
Tickets will be available at the door for $12. Proceeds will go to the Susan G. Koman Foundation and Dana Farber Breast Cancer Research.
For more information, visit www.onestrongvoice.com or call Massasoit Community College at 508-588-9100, Ext. 1234.