Distracted

Dos Pueblos Theater Company’s production of DISTRACTED seeks to: destigmatize mental illness, to educate students and parents about mental health issues and provide resources to individuals and families dealing with mental illness. Each performance features a post show Q & A with mental health professionals, community advocates, persons with lived experiences, as well as cast and crew. DPTC is teaming with community organizations including: Family Services Agency, Mental Wellness Center, Mental Health Matters, Youthwell Coalition and NAMI. In addition to our post show discussions, we will be educating our actors on mental wellness during rehearsals.

DISTRACTED follows two parents whose son is diagnosed with ADHD. They begin a journey of trying to find the best treatment for their son. A second storyline involves a teenager who self harms (through cutting.). Other topics include anxiety, depression and bipolar. “After teaching for thirty years, it’s troubling to see the sharp rise in these illnesses, especially anxiety and depression,” says Director Clark Sayre. He continues, “I was attracted to the play because it’s not heavy-handed, but instead, told through humor. The characters themselves are ‘distracted’ and often turn to the audience or ‘break character.’

In addition to the many mental illnesses, topics DISTRACTED tackles, the overall theme centers around how distracted we are as a culture and the importance of simply being present for one another. Says Sayre, “In our digital world where screens dominate our lives, this is a topic more relevant than ever. By presenting DISTRACTED we hope to: educate, challenge, support, inspire and change you.”

Dos Pueblos Theatre Company presents Lisa Loomer’s dramedy DISTRACTED November 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 7pm in the Elings Performing Arts Center. There will also be an understudy performance on Nov. 16 at 2pm. Tickets are $10 for students and $15 for adults and may be purchased at the door. Tickets may also be purchased online at www.dptheatrecompany.org. The play has mature content and language and is recommended for audiences 14 and over.