D.C.-Based Stage Director Suffers Stroke; Theatre Community Offers Support

Gabriele Jakobi, international award-winning theatre director from Berlin, recently brought her passion and creativity to the Washington, D.C. theatre scene. And now that scene is giving back.

Jakobi suffered a stroke in June while preparing for a run of Chekhov's THE THREE SISTERS at Scena Theatre and is currently hospitalized in D.C.

To help cover her medical and rehabilitation bills, the local theatre community has started a GoFundMe page for the much-loved director. Nearly $17,000 has been raised in less than a week.

When Jakobi is able to travel, she will fly back to Berlin for specialized rehabilitation and care.

Until then, her partner -- Scena Theatre Artistic Director Robert McNamara -- is caring for her around the clock, all while directing THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING EARNEST in place of THE THREE SISTERS, which has been postponed until 2016.