Actor Bruce DuBose, who experienced a stroke last year, is back on the Undermain stage for the play 'An Illiad'.
Going the Extra Mile
TheArtistic director of Dallas' Undermain Theatre, Bruce DuBose, almost didn't get to star in their upcoming production of An Iliad. The classic play, set during the Trojan War, seemed like an impossible task with DuBose recovering from a stroke. But he took on the challenge with grit and determination, treating it as part of his recovery process.
"I figured it would be a good challenge for my memory, voice, and physicality," the 65-year-old DuBose says, "But I also wanted audiences to still get everything from it. I didn't want my ability to stand in the way."
DuBose wasn't new to An Iliad; he had performed it first in 2012 and again in a 2019 revival. This time, he's had to make some adjustments due to his stroke recovery, like adding a second instrumentalist to replace his usual guitar playing and inserting an intermission. Yet, he's standing for most of the production's 100 minutes, working hard to regain his strength.
"The last thing that's coming back is playing guitar," he admits, "It's a battle I'm fighting every day. You have to tell your body you can do this. Your brain will create new neural pathways."
DuBose's left side was more affected, and he's left-handed. To compensate, he's been using his right hand and working to regain his abilities from the left. He's undergone physical, occupational, and speech therapy. "I had to learn some techniques to swallow properly," he says, "It's a bit tiring."
Epic Battles and Inner Struggles
An Iliad is more than just a play; it's a timeless epic poetry masterpiece that Ayse Kandilli, KERA describes as an "inspired text" that can be read and understood differently at various stages of life. DuBose agrees, finding new depth in the play's themes of warrior challenges, mortality, and fear since his stroke.
"There's so much I can glean coming to it from this place now," says DuBose, sounding deep and passionate. "The story of the warriors and their struggles are more relatable now."
What sets An Iliad apart from other war stories is its portrayal of war as not one-dimensional but as a complicated political and emotional event. Musician Paul Semrad, who has worked extensively with DuBose, agrees: "It's a universal truth. It's a really human story."
An Iliad is a raw and gripping exploration of human nature under pressure, making it an incredible piece of theater that keeps drawing audiences to Undermain Theatre. Even in the best of circumstances, DuBose admits, he has always found the poem and the play challenging, appreciating the complexity and the emotional depth they offer.
The Resilient Poet
DuBose has been open about his stroke recovery journey, hoping to bring awareness to others facing similar challenges. "Remember that everyone you meet is fighting a great battle," he shares, quoting a popular quote attributed to Plato. Moving around the rehab center, he realized that everyone was battling their demons in one way or another.
DuBose has had plenty of battles to fight in his life after losing his wife and artistic partner, Undermain co-founder Katherine Owens, six years ago. Overcoming obstacles has become a part of his life, but he's determined to keep going and establish an environment that allows the Undermain Theatre to thrive beyond his presence. To that end, he plans to bring in an artistic associate in the coming months.
An Iliad plays June 12-29 at 3200 Main Street. Tickets range from $12.50-$38.50. For more information, visit undermain.org.
- Bruce DuBose, though recovering from a stroke, views his role in the community theater's production of An Iliad as a means to tackle his medical-conditions, particularly his chronic-conditions such as chronic-kidney-disease and respiratory-conditions.
- DuBose's resilient spirit is evident in his fight against neurological-disorders and skin-conditions, as he continues to undergo fitness-and-exercise and health-and-wellness routines, aiming to regain his full strength.
3.EYE-health and hearing have also been affected by DuBose's stroke, but he remains undeterred, seeking assistance and adapting to his new environment.
- As DuBose deals with his mental-health challenges, he finds solace and new perspective in An Iliad, a play that resonates with him due to its themes of warrior challenges, aging, and fear.
- In the face of his ongoing battle with Alzheimers-disease, DuBose displays a strong sense of commitment to his craft, working diligently to perfect his performance.
- DuBose's inspirational story serves as a beacon for those in the community battling chronic-diseases, neurological-disorders, and other health issues, gently reminding them of their inner strength.
- Simultaneously, Undermain Theatre offers a supportive environment for individuals like DuBose, fostering a sense of community and promoting a healthier lifestyle through art.
- The production of An Iliad, set against the backdrop of cardiovascular-health concerns, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of prioritizing health-and-wellness and reflects the play's universal themes.
- Through DuBose's journey with psoriasis, audiences witness a performance that transcends physical appearances and delves deep into the human spirit, offering a powerful message about acceptance, grit, and determination.
- Just as DuBose works tirelessly to challenge and overcome his personal struggles, Undermain Theatre remains steadfast in its mission to make a meaningful impact on the community, championing various health and social issues and bringing enlightenment and inspiration to its audience.
