Shadows of Hope – Bespoke Performance for OFEV

Verba Shadow Theatre believes in the transformative power of storytelling, and recently, we had the honor of collaborating with a pharmaceutical company to create a special performance in Madrid, Spain. The event aimed to introduce OFEV, a prescription medicine used to treat idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). Drawing inspiration from the experiences of IPF patients, our talented artists crafted a mesmerizing shadow show that captivated the audience and instilled a sense of hope. Join us as we take you on a captivating journey through our unique performance.

In the very beginning, the stage bathed in a warm glow, symbolizing the dawn of a new day filled with possibilities. Through silhouettes, we created a serene house and a tree, depicting the simplicity of everyday life. Inside the house, a woman could be seen preparing dinner, while her husband played with their dog nearby. Laughter filled the air as they gathered around the table, sharing joyful moments together.

Amidst the tranquility, subtle signs of struggle began to emerge. The shadows shifted to the woman washing dishes, and it became evident that something was amiss. The perspective changed to reveal the inverse view of her hands. The shadows depicted the changing colors of her fingers, symbolizing the progression of the disease. The woman’s skin turned red, and her fingers appeared blue, signifying the impact of IPF. Her concern grew as she stared at her hands, a powerful visual representation of the challenges she faced.

The scene transitioned back to the kitchen, where the woman showed her husband her aching hands. The pain became unbearable, and she collapsed. Her husband rushed to her side, offering support, and together they went to the hospital. Silhouette figures representing different doctors surrounded them, including dermatologists, gastroenterologists, wound care specialists, and plastic surgeons. Despite their best efforts, they were unable to provide a definitive diagnosis, leaving the woman feeling trapped and hopeless.

As the story unfolded, the shadows depicted the woman’s deteriorating physical condition. Tasks that were once simple became increasingly difficult. Her husband, unaware of the severity of her illness, encouraged her to go for a morning run. But she could no longer find the strength to stand, and her body succumbed to the constraints of her condition. The shadows conveyed her frustration and sadness, as she sat in an armchair, her cough echoing through the room.

With a change in music, a glimmer of hope emerged. A rheumatologist entered the scene, offering a ray of light amidst the darkness. Through shadow figures, the doctor diagnosed her with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), shedding light on the cause of her suffering. The shadows transitioned to depict a laboratory representing the research and development process. It then transformed into a representation of OFEV, the medicine offering a glimmer of hope.

The shadows conveyed the woman’s anticipation and worry as she stood near the OFEV tablet. The doctor, holding the medicine in their hands, approached her. She took the pill, and a sense of relief washed over her. Gradually, her strength returned, and step by step, she made her way towards her family, ready to embrace them once again.

In a poignant moment, the shadows formed the word “”OFEV,”” symbolizing the power of this medication in improving the lives of IPF patients. The performance concluded with a heartwarming scene of the reunited family, sharing a joyful dinner and holding hands. The logo of OFEV appeared, a testament to the pharmaceutical company’s commitment to providing hope and relief to those affected by IPF.”