New Play Explores Families' Cancer Communication
Free performances will be given Nov. 19-20 at Scripps Mercy Hospital.
A new play that explores the dynamics of how patients, families and doctors communicate about cancer—from diagnosis through death—will debut, appropriately, at Scripps Mercy Hospital in Hillcrest.
The play, Conversations About Cancer: A Theatrical Production, is written by San Diego State University professor Wayne Beach, a national authority on communication in oncology. The production is based on Beach’s book, A Natural History of Family Cancer: Interactional Resources for Managing Illness, which examines 61 actual phone conversations of one family’s journey through the serious cancer of family member.
Teaching families to communicate with each other
Using theater is a unique approach to teaching patients and families what works well—and what doesn’t—in communicating with each other and with doctors during a major illness. The play is directed by freelance director and actor Maggie Carney, and produced by Randy Reinholz, director of the SDSU School of Theatre, Television and Film. The cast comprises actors from several leading local theater companies. Production of the new play is funded by the National Cancer Institute.
“Through the prism of one family’s 13-month experience, this play sheds light on the fundamental importance of communication during cancer,” said Beach, whose book recently won two prestigious awards from the National Communication Association.
“We hope audience members leave with a better understanding of human interactions and a deeper appreciation for managing the trials, tribulations, hopes and even triumphs involved in a journey through cancer.”
Free to the public
Hosted by Scripps Cancer Center, performances for the general public will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 19 and 20 in the West Auditorium of Scripps Mercy Hospital, located at 4077 Fifth Ave., San Diego 92103. Seating will be limited, and reservations can be made by calling 858-401-0381.
“We believe this play will be a powerful community resource that can help people improve communication during a medical crisis,” said Dr. William Stanton, medical director of Scripps Cancer Center at Scripps Mercy Hospital.
“Family members rely heavily on each other when navigating through the complex social, emotional and technical aspects of cancer and every interaction—from the extraordinary to the mundane—profoundly shapes the experience.”
Scripps and SDSU are also collaborating on a federal grant proposal in the area of improving communication between cancer patients and their physicians.
