Ignition Theatre presenting provocative play about intimacy and mental illness
Red Deer AdvocateJan 05, 2019
Gruesome Playground Injuries, by Pulitzer Prize finalist
Over the next three decades, their paths intersect as Doug or Kayleen suffer from wounds, heartbreak and their own self-destructive habits.
The dark comedy comes with a list of discretionary warnings: Coarse language, graphic imagery, sexuality and "mature themes that may trigger those suffering from mental illness."
The latter pertains to people who are cutters, as Kayleen inflicts self-harm as a way of dealing with her emotional pain, said director
While some scenes could be upsetting, particularly to those struggling with this illness, Grue feels the play also offers them hope.
There's an underlying message that it's possible to cope with mental illness "so it doesn't obliterate you… There might not be a cure for it, but there are ways to manage it."
The story also "opens a window for people who have never had to deal with mental issues," raising awareness as well as understanding and compassion, Grue adds.
"I think it allows us to look at it from the inside out…
"It's a really great play," he stressed, confirming it marks
Grue feels the script uses shock value to get across thoughtful messages about two things of growing significance to our society: mental health and human connections.
"It's an incredibly beautiful examination," he says, "of pain, both physical and psychological, and our need to inflict pain upon others and ourselves as a means of survival."
Beyond that, playwright Joseph (
Gruesome Playground Injuries stars Ignition veterans
Grue said everyone involved appreciates being able to rise to the demands of the script and theme.
"It's not some straightforward interpretation… This asks more from us, and it feels good to be sinking our teeth into more challenging material."
He hopes audience members will trust
Tickets available from www.ignitiontheatre.ca or the door (limited seating).