Solo Performer Spotlight

Originally aired on July 25, 2020
Judith C | “Welcome to the Cancer Cafe”

Written & Performed by Judith C
Directed by Rebecca Fisher

Immediately followed by a Q&A with Founder/Artistic Director
Stephanie Weisman and Judith C.

Watch Below

Show Description

As a Physical Therapist Clinical Specialist in Chronic Pain, Judith C. Dambowic never imagined being on the opposite end of treatment–until she was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer with a limited life expectancy.

Judith’s journey from diagnosis through stem cell transplant unfolds in her hilarious and heartbreaking solo show Welcome to The Cancer Café at The Marsh Berkeley. Motivated by portrayals of cancer heroes, cancer miracles, and people that “fight” for their lives, Judith C. Dambowic was determined to shed light on different responses to cancer than the typical warrior model.

Enlightening, elevating, and deeply personal, Judith brings audiences on her unexpected journey from provider to patient, sharing the profound lessons this role reversal offers. Using actual conversations with providers, Judith portrays her interactions with the medical establishment, bringing keen insight and offering a better understanding of the journey and choices faced by people of similar circumstances.

“I’ve worked for 30 years with people who are writing and performing their own stories. In that time I’ve heard a lot of people give witness to the trials of having a life threatening disease. Judith Dambowic goes further than anyone I’ve encountered. She gets the awful contrasts of fear and courage, agency and impotence, armor and vulnerability.”
David Ford – “the dean of solo performance” —SF Chronicle

To Contact Judith: – cancercafeperformance@gmail.com