The Great Imitator
Since the previous two readings, I changed the title and did a major rewrite! The Great Imitator (formerly known as In the Lymelight Monologues) now includes two new main characters, and I can’t wait to share this version with you! While physical distancing means we will not yet be able to do an in-person performance (for the audience or cast), I am excited to stream a reading online on May 6th, 2021, because this opens unique opportunities in terms of accessibility. It means that patients who normally are bedbound will be able to watch from home, and it also means that folks will be able to tune in from around the world!
ABOUT THE PLAY:
The Great Imitator is a blend of documentary theatre and imaginative departures from reality. Lily tries to call out sick from her own show, except instead she is thrust on a journey of uncertainty. From encounters with a personified, satirical, self-aware Pathogen to a Fairy Godmother, this play follows Lily’s quest for answers. She ends up discovering a whole lot more than she bargained for.
NOT SURE WHAT LYME IS?
For those who are new, here is some context about why this issue matters. Lyme disease is the fastest-growing vector-borne illness in the United States, and it is an epidemic. The CDC currently estimates at least 300,000 Americans contract Lyme disease per year, though it is speculated that the actual numbers are much higher. Lyme often remains undiagnosed for long periods, sometimes even years or decades. Others are under-treated. The lack of treatment can result in longterm health complications, which can be quite debilitating and impair a patient’s ability to work or care for themselves. Further, due to the political controversy of Lyme (many still debate whether this is a real disease) and the stigma of invisible illness, patients often deal with medical gaslighting, loss of esteem and relationships, and intense financial hardship in addition to their physical symptoms.
WHY A PLAY?
Being undiagnosed with Lyme for roughly eight years changed the course of my life. As I started to heal with treatment, I wanted to advocate for this community I now belong to. Because of my background in theatre, advocacy, and writing, a play felt like a natural fit. This project and its development process is by, for, and with the community.
The purpose of this play is to shift the way we view healing, build community, mobilize advocacy, and fundraise through storytelling. Donations to support Lyme treatment grants will be encouraged.
WHAT YOUR GIFT WILL DO:
With your support, we will be able to hire a creative team (i.e. actors, director, and marketers) to make this project as impactful as possible. As much as possible, we are recruiting a team of artists who identify as living with an illness or disability, so they have a strong understanding of the nuanced and sensitive nature of the subject matter. We will be providing accessibility features, such as captioning or an ASL interpreter.
Thank you so much for your support of this project! It means a lot to me, and I really appreciate how encouraging you have been. It is truly a community effort, and it is an honor to bring this project to fruition after two years of preparation– so grateful for all of you who have followed along on this journey.
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