CANCER – a deluded, egotistical ASS – goes on his own journey of denial, anger, bargaining and acceptance when he discovers that the whole world hates him.

The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre proudly presents This is Cancer on Saturday, January 26th at 8:00pm at the Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre. This is Cancer is the fourth of five shows in the Society’s 2012/13 Theatre Series.

Cancer is embodied on the stage in this one man satirical cabaret. Cancer – a deluded, egotistical ASS, believes that humanity is in love with him. After all, he has more Google hits than Jesus, and there are hundreds of marathons and charity events held in his honour. Cancer then goes on a journey of denial, anger, bargaining and acceptance upon discovering that the whole world actually hates him.

A cancer survivor himself and one of Canada’s only legally blind actors, Bruce Horak offers a fresh and darkly comedic perspective on the lethal disease that too many of us will face. “There’s a certain catharsis that occurs throughout the show, and being a part of that is really amazing.” says Horak, “I’ve never believed in avoiding problems. This is about going to a dark place with a flashlight and facing the problem head on.”

“It’s so, so wonderfully strange and cunning that describing the show seems sacrilege.” writes Todd Babiak of the Edmonton Journal, “It’s a difficult and magical experience that inspires introspection, anxiety and, with any luck, a hint of relief – 5 stars.”

Directed by award-winning director Rebecca Northan, This is Cancer will leave you wondering how you could fall in love with such a deadly performer. “Be prepared for a truly unconventional evening of theatre.” adds Horak.

The Vernon and District Performing Arts Centre would like to thank the following sponsors for their generous support: Okanagan Spirits, Holiday Inn Express, the Vernon Morning Star, the Okanagan Advertiser, North of 50 Magazine, the Regional District of the North Okanagan, the British Columbia Arts Council and the Department of Canadian Heritage.