This evening through November 14 at the Purple Masque Theatre, Kansas State University Theatre premieres two new one-act plays written by drama therapy graduate students Conrad Schmechel and Jared Adams.
Both pieces focus on elements of mental health developed through research, interviews and lived experiences.
Adams’ play attempts to capture the complexity and complications of a family trying its best to support a member with acute schizophrenia.
"Illusions of Hope and Despair" is an autobiographical ethno-drama based on interviews Adams had with his family. The work is a psychoeducational art piece showing the humanity in a disease that is so often seen one-dimensionally.
Director Schmechel feels that the piece can "help spread awareness of these diagnoses, but can also plant seeds of inspiration, courage and deepened empathy."
"The Ups and Downs of Tom" by Schmechel is the story of an individual's experiences living with bipolar disorder, based on interviews with real people with bipolar disorder and their significant others/close confidants.
Bipolar disorder is often stigmatized and tied to misinformation, stoking fear of those living with it. This play strives to shine a light on bipolar disorder while also giving a voice to those living with and those who know someone with bipolar disorder.
K-State Theatre's Second Stage season in the Purple Masque is student-driven, offering a genuine platform for both new and published works with student designers and directors.
Second Stage plays are produced, directed, designed and performed by K-State theatre students - regardless of major or class standing.
The Second Stage is where students practice their craft, experimenting, creating and solving artistic and technical problems to create their own production. It is an important part of preparing students for a professional career.
-- from Kansas State University