A little about this show
Close to Decline is a generous, truthful, and ridiculous account of my experience with the long decline and death of my father from Parkinson's disease. The cast of three performers employ straight theater, puppetry, clown, and silly dancing to deliver a story of acceptance and hope. This work was hailed as “Technically clever & refreshingly small...both genuine and inviting.” by nytheatre.com.

Why I made this show
People with illnesses and their families often try to hide their struggles from their friends and community, and this creates a downward spiral of isolation and ignorance. I created Close to Decline to shed light on the long wintertime of living with a degenerative disease, and to spark conversation about end-of-life issues. My family had a healing experience with hospice care, but we very nearly missed this opportunity. I'm sharing my story because I hope it will help others be better prepared to navigate these challenges and choices in their own lives. 

Where did this project happen?
The show was workshopped in 2012 at St. Ann's Warehouse in NYC (Labapalooza! Festival), and the first iteration was presented in Flint & Tinder at The Tank Theater in 2013, where it received support through a Jim Henson Foundation Presenter's Grant. In 2015 Close to Decline was a finalist for the prestigious Creative Capital Award.