One Woman’s Journey to Find the Superhero Within
Performance by Valerie David
Friday, June 2, 2023 @ 6PM
One woman’s courage, strength, and humor through three cancer battles propel her to defy the odds, smash cancer, and to never stop giving up hope!
All are invited to join us for this performance by visiting artist Valerie David, held inside the Cultural Center on Friday, June 2, 2023, at 6:00 p.m. (recommended for ages 12+). A freewill donation will be collected to support Valerie’s work and the Cultural Center’s artist residency program.
Now battling breast cancer after fighting off lymphoma, Valerie does something most people facing cancer in their life probably wouldn’t think of doing. With a fear that she might lose “the girls,” she takes them out for one last hurrah—after all, a cancer diagnosis means only one thing: Call your ex’s and try to get laid.
And does Valerie succeed? Is there a “happy” ending? Come see the show to find out!
This award-winning, internationally acclaimed, sexy solo show follows Valerie’s journey to seek her own “hulk-like” strength to find her superhero within to become a three-time cancer survivor. An empowering and true story of inspiration for anyone facing ANY adversity in their own lives—not just from cancer! With plenty of laugh-out-loud, heartwarming moments!
Visit https://pinkhulkplay.com/ for more info.
Recommended for ages 12+.
Runtime: 60 min (with audience talkback/Q&A to follow)
Stick around for the audience talkback to cover such topics as:
- How to be your own best advocate
- Self-care, medical advancements
- Coping mechanisms
- How-to’s for alleviating the financial strain of treatment and beyond
- How to approach doctors to discuss sensitive topics
- Helpful tips and advice on meeting with your doctor, getting second opinions, and finding the best care for yourself.
Valerie, who is based in Manhattan, “hulked out” on cancer; after her first two bouts with cancer—Stage III Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in 1999 and then breast cancer in 2014/2015. Then in September 2018, Valerie was re-diagnosed with breast cancer—this time Stage IV metastatic. As of April 2019, she has had no evidence of disease and has continued to thrive.
Valerie is a proud 2022 recipient of the Colby award, presented at each national convention to Sigma Kappa alumnae in recognition of their career achievements.
The Pink Hulk has been accepted into almost 50 festivals to date since its 2016 debut, performing in more than 25 cities in the U.S. and Europe—England, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland. The Pink Hulk is a true testament to the power of our own inner superheroes to fight back against any adversity in life—to never ever give up!
The Pink Hulk Mission: Valerie turned her adversity into art with The Pink Hulk, which inspires audiences, uplifting them with her motivational, empowering story to battle cancer, live life on her own terms, and crush the obstacles in her path. Her solo play is told with heartfelt honesty and lots of humor. Through performances, theater is utilized as a thought-provoking vehicle to empower audiences.
AWARDS + ACCOLADES
The Pink Hulk was awarded the Queen’s Medal for Valour Performance Award, presented to an exceptional performer who brings bravery, grace, and humor to extraordinary circumstances in the SaraSolo Festival, the Best Survivor Award at the Pittsburgh Fringe, was an Official Selection in the DivaFest in Indy, the Fringe Crush Award in the IndyFringe, the Audience Choice Award in the Shenandoah Fringe, the WOW Award in the Gothenburg Fringe “for the show which inspired awe in audiences with its creativity, humour and content” and many more!
Check out the Pink Hulk PROMO VIDEO here: https://youtu.be/GcZd8F5i8ZQ
Check out NBC 4 New York Weekend Today interview with Anchor Gus Rosendale talking about The Pink Hulk and its impact here: https://www.nbcnewyork.com/on-air/as-seen-on/_the-pink-hulk_-to-premiere-off-broadway-this-week_new-york/1991918/
Learn more:
- Website: https://pinkhulkplay.com/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pinkhulkplay/
- Twitter: @pinkhulkplay
- IG: @pinkhulkplay
“Watching Valerie David perform The Pink Hulk: One Woman’s Journey to Find the Superhero Within is something so rare and so marvelous; it is the most powerful and poignant two hours I have ever spent at a theater.” – Kristen Morale, Broadway World, NYC
About the Artist: Valerie David (playwright/performer) wrote the autobiographical comedic drama The Pink Hulk as a cancer survivor to express the empowerment she felt being able to find humor and superhero inner strength going through three bouts of cancer—she plays over 20 different characters during her performance. Valerie and The Pink Hulk have been featured on TV, radio, in publications, and on podcasts, including NBC 4 New York, CBS, FOX, amNY, Heal magazine, The IndyStar, Breast Friends Cancer Support Radio Network, Mia’s World, First Online With Fran, The Crisis Help Show, the Jim Masters Show! Live, Tamara L. Hunter’s Service Hero Show, and Reykjavik Fringe Festival podcast. Valerie is a member of the Solo Arts Heal collective, where a group of artists perform their solo shows as inspiration and empowerment. Valerie raises money through The Pink Hulk performances for domestic and international cancer organizations.
Valerie will be the Cultural Center’s Artist-in-Residency from May 23 – June 6, 2023. While in New York Mills, Valerie looks forward to connecting with community members through her performance and talkback, as well as through other potential opportunities including a variety of Master Classes she could offer such as improv, storytelling, and more. Contact the Cultural Center at info@kulcher.org if you are interested.
Valerie will be at our Celebrating Cultures event on May 31, 2023, offering an Improv Workshop for Children (and all ages!) from 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Those who want to show off their new improv skills are invited to participate in the Open Mic portion of the event between 6:00 – 7:00! Learn more: kulcher.org/celebrating-cultures-2023/
For more information, call the Cultural Center at (218) 385-3339 or visit the Center’s website at www.kulcher.org.
