Actress Dramatizes How Women Are Eaten Alive

As part of National Eating Disorders Awareness Month last February, Eva Van Dok performed her one-woman play, "Eaten Alive" at several college campuses. The play focuses on eating disorders and weight obsession.

A secret sufferer of anorexia and bulimia since her father died when she was 12, the Broadway veteran tours the country presenting the drama to as many young people as she can. In the opening scene, she is an overstressed mom, obsessed with exercising off the weight She plays five different women, from a troubled high school girl to a desperate older woman who can’t afford the latest died fad proposed by her doctor. In the final act she reflects that life with an eating disorder is always about the next five pounds. "I know there is more to life. But I can’t think about anything else."

In the Question and Answer session after one of the performances, she told the audience that 85 percent of women have an unhealthy relationship with food, with about 1 percent of the US population suffering from serious eating disorders. Among college students, the average rises 5 to 10 percent.

Once a middle upper class white girl problem, eating disorders have crossed all social borders and age groups. Men now make up 20 percent of eating disorder cases.

Von Dok says her favorite part of performing "Eaten Alive" is connecting with the audience. She often tells her audience that the reason she was able to overcome her eating disorder was seeing a therapist who she was comfortable talking to. Today, in her late 30’s, she suffers from pre-osteoporosis, bone mass loss and hair loss due to the strain she put her body through during her anorexic years.

I’d love to hear from someone who has seen Eva Von Dok perform. Scroll down to ‘Comments" and tell us how the show impacted you.

To a successful outlook on life

Warmly, Ruthan Brodsky

Health Writing and Marketing Communications

For Health Care Professionals

Sources: Spartanburg, S.C. USC Upstate Office of Student Development

Texas Tech University, Daily Toreador

Storm Lake Pilot Tribune, Texas Tech University

Comments

[purplmama]

I saw Eva's play two months ago at my college, and it was fascinating! There were times during the play that you could hear a pin drop. Her play pierces through the heart of the eating disorder issue. Eva makes you understand the issue in a fresh and very personal way. I won't be able to forget this play, ever. It's honest, poignant and startling. I encourage everyone to see it; young, old, male or female.