Alzheimers Coachella Valley Presents "Broken Open" Play

Alzheimers Coachella Valley (ACV) announced its major fundraiser on March 6, 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. will feature “Broken Open,” an original play by Isabelle Sarfati, at the University of California Riverside, Palm Desert Campus auditorium.

Tickets are $25 per person for general seating, available online at www.cvalzheimers.org/events or by calling 760-776-3100. The cost includes a pre-event reception in the lobby to meet the playwright and actors.

“We are excited to present the premiere of Broken Open which is about a daughter’s pursuit to unlock her mother’s 60-year old secret,” said Dom Calvano, ACV board president. “Without giving away the secret, this dramatic presentation is a must-see for anyone on an Alzheimer’s journey.”

Prior to the inaugural performance, a video depicting a “day in the life” of those dealing with the disease will be shown to illustrate how ACV programs bring help, hope and resources to local families.

Dr. Howard Cohen, CMD, HMDC, Medical Director for Family Hospice Care, and also an accomplished actor, will give a brief presentation on the importance of storytelling in coping with Alzheimer’s disease, and introduce the play.

Ms. Sarfati was born in Paris, France and lived there until her family moved to Israel when she was 12 years old. After completing high school and military service in Israel, Isabelle moved back to France (1984), but soon immigrated to the United States (1986), where she and her wife, Lorraine Carlson, would meet, marry and enjoy pursuing careers together in New York City and San Francisco before moving to Palm Springs in 2017.