A show set to be performed at the Sunflower Theatre next week is bringing humor and poignancy to the stage to help promote discussions about suicide.
Durango-based theater troupe Merely Players will perform “Every Beautiful Thing,” starring local artist Sarah Syverson. The play centers around a 7-year-old coping with her mother’s recently attempted suicide, who decides to make a list of “Every Brilliant Thing” in her life.
“Theater reflects life,” said Mona Wood-Patterson. “In the best moments of theater, the audience recognizes themselves, other humans, and deep experiences. By injecting the topic of depression and suicide into a humorous play, we remove the stigma and shame around it. It helps us all to be able to talk about real life issues, even the darker ones.”
The Sunflower Theatre show will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12.
The play, written by Duncan MacMillan, has been produced nationally, and aims to touch upon depression in a humorous and compassionate manner.
Merely Players decided to take on the show in light of the rising suicide rate – nationally, and especially in Colorado. Wood-Patterson says she hopes audience members will come away from the show with a greater sense of connection.
“Knowing that we are all in this crazy, wonderful, happy, sad, messy life together,” she said.
A mental health professional will be at each performance to help moderate discussions afterwards.
In addition to the Cortez show, Merely Players will perform “Every Brilliant Thing” at Hesperus Camp at 7 p.m. on Nov. 8, 9, 14, 15, and 16, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 17.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.merelyplayers.us or call 749-8585.
Montezuma County residents who are struggling with depression, substance abuse or suicidal thoughts may call Axis Health System’s 24-hour crisis hotline at 970-247-5245 or the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 800-273-8255. Axis’ Montezuma County offices are at Cortez Integrated Healthcare, 691 E. Empire St.