Studio Theatre in Exile will present Aphasia, a play in verse written and performed by Marc J. Straus, for three performances in Manhattan. The production runs from Friday, Oct. 9 through Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, as part of the Factory Series at The Chain Theatre on West 36th Street.
Directed by Mara Mills with stage production by Jeremy Gratt, the play draws inspiration from Straus’ mother, Dora, and the stroke that left her with paralysis and aphasia. Though unable to speak, the character understands her surroundings as she reflects on her life, relationships, and mortality.
Straus, an oncologist, poet, and art collector, assumes the role of his mother on stage through a series of soliloquies and verse reflections. The narrative captures Dora’s experience as a woman who graduated as college valedictorian at age 76 before losing her ability to communicate verbally.
The production represents Straus’ second play following Not God, which previously ran Off-Broadway. Director Mara Mills, co-founder of Studio Theatre in Exile, developed the production alongside Straus following their past collaboration on his debut theatrical work.
Performances are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Oct. 9 and Oct. 10, with a 3 p.m. matinee on Oct. 11. The show has a running time of 85 minutes, and tickets are available through Eventbrite.
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