Based on her own cancer survivor experiences, Adams State University Theatre Department senior theatre major, Awnee Montaño wrote and directed the one act, “Prognosis for Bald Rapunzel.” The play opens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 11 in the Xperimental Theatre, and continues nightly through Feb. 14.
“Prognosis for Bald Rapunzel,” takes place in a state of mind. GIRL is trapped in her guilt as she blurs the lines between the story of Rapunzel and her battle during and after cancer. “This story came from my own personal experience with cancer and my feelings when a friend, and fellow cancer patient, passed away,” Montaño said.
She was diagnosed with a rare form of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL) when she was 13 years old. After her diagnosis, she underwent treatment for four years and has been in remission for the last four. “Nearly everyone has been affected by cancer is some way and understands the feelings of loss and being alone. I am giving the audience space to feel those emotions,” Montaño added.
She describes “Prognosis for Bald Rapunzel,” as nonlinear and expressionistic. “It is a poetic telling of the memories from a cancer survivor who contemplates her own battle with cancer and survivor guilt from losing a friend to the disease.”
The one-hour play includes five characters, GIRL, mother, partner, friend and death. “I have stage managed many performances over the last four years and directing seemed a natural step. I have a great set of actors who bring amazing energy to the piece,” said Montaño. She appreciates the support and encouragement of the Adams State theatre faculty. “I feel loved.”
General admission tickets are $13 with free admission for Adams State students and faculty. Tickets can be purchased online at theatre.adams.edu or in person at the Theatre Box Office between 2:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday or by calling 719-587-8499.
