Amazons in the Tropic of Cancer

“Amazons in the Tropic of Cancer” is a multidisciplinary performance exploring the theme of illness and how it impacts on the human body, mind and spirit. The concept arose from the acutely personal experiences of creative director and artist, Sima Vassilieva, during her own fight with breast cancer. Sima saw herself as an Amazon warrior, one breast removed, firing arrows at multiplying cancer cells from her bow. This mythical image, symbolic of women’s bravery, stoicism and steadfastness in battle, prompted Sima to seek out other Amazons, who had been through the same experience, to help her create an inspirational theatrical performance. Together with Celeste Dandeker-Arnold and Lyudmila Ulitskaya, both breast cancer survivors, the project has grown and evolved to encompass the physical, psychological and spiritual effects of illness as a whole. The performance is divided into three acts, each one embracing a narrative that weaves visual art, costume, choreography and music into a rich fabric of personal experience. Through all these elements we will create a fully immersive multimedia experience. On 28th October, at the Panda Theatre in Berlin, we will stage the first performance of “Amazons in the Tropic of Cancer”. We believe that art plays a cathartic role in every human experience. With this performance, we hope to reach out to all our fellow Amazons as they face life’s battles, but especially those on the battlefield of cancer.