Play tackles a couple's struggle with breast cancer

NARROWSBURG, N.Y. — On Saturday, Oct. 21 at 7 p.m., Delaware Valley Arts Alliance presents “The Actual Dance,” a one-man play with live musicians about the transformative power of love in the face of illness.
The autobiographical piece is based on playwright Samuel A. Simon’s experiences after his wife, Susan, was diagnosed with breast cancer. “The Actual Dance” refers to the sensation he had during this time of crisis. He imagined a brightly lit ballroom with an orchestra tuning their instruments, ready for the moment when he and Susan would have to part for good.
“People will come up to me after the show and tell of similar experiences,” Simon said. “They’re afraid to talk about it out loud for fear of being called crazy.”
New York City actor and activist Chuk Obasi plays the part of Samuel Simon, who struggles with difficult questions raised by Susan’s diagnosis. “I had seen Sam perform the play two or three times and was moved by his journey with his wife, and his willingness to navigate his emotions with an audience,” Obasi said.
“The play speaks to universal experiences of love, fear, loss, even anger... all in relation to someone you love and care about. Sam and I are very different people in terms of age, race, religion and geographic background, yet I had no issue imagining myself in the role.”
The play is particularly timely as October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
The one-night only performance will be followed by an audience talkback. Tickets are $20 advance, $25 at the door, and can be purchased at 845-252-7272 or delawarevallyeartsalliance.org.