Green Thumb gives a public presentation of STILL/FALLING during National Mental Health Week, May 6
The theatre company’s hit show for youth goes digital, features a post-show discussion in partnership with Anxiety Canada
STILL/FALLING, by Rachel Aberle and featuring actor Lisa Baran, looks at the difference between teen angst and mental illness. Photo by Sarah Race
Green Thumb Theatre presents a public performance of STILL/FALLING on May 6 at 7 pm PDT in partnership with Massey Theatre.
GREEN THUMB THEATRE is on its first digital tour as part of National Mental Health Week.
STILL/FALLING by playwright Rachel Aberle is being broadcast live to schools across the province, with a special public evening presentation on May 6 to give parents, guardians, and caregivers a chance to see it.
Each broadcast will be performed live and will have a post-show discussion in partnership with Anxiety Canada.
One actor plays seven different roles in STILL/FALLING, which is about a teenager named Nina recounting her experiences with anxiety and depression. Reimagined for a digital format in the style of a confessional online video, it provides a realistic and wry look at the difference between teen angst and mental illness. Since it premiered in 2015, the work has been presented more than 180 times in schools and theatre venues across North America.
Aberle, who became Green Thumb’s artistic director earlier this year, says her own experiences as a teen inspired the piece for young audiences.
“By the time I received help, I was at a point of crisis,” Aberle said in a release. “My intent in creating STILL/FALLING was to normalize conversations around mental health, and to offer avenues for young people to connect with one another on these topics, and encourage conversation with the adults in their lives as well.
“Green Thumb Theatre’s goal is to meet young people where they are at, with professional live performance that speaks to the issues they deal with every day,” she said. “As young people face the complexity of their teenage years in conjunction with the remarkable challenges brought on by the pandemic, our aim is to help them recognize signposts of mental illness, remind them that they are truly not alone, and to offer resources on where to find the support they may need.
Participating in the post-show discussion are youth mental-health advocate Shilpa Narayan; registered clinical counsellor Christine M. Yu, Anxiety Canada scientific committee member; and John Bateman, mental-health champion for Anxiety Canada.
Tickets for the May 6 presentation are available through the Massey Theatre.
“This year isolation has interrupted most human and community connections,” said Massey Theatre Society executive director Jessica Schneider. “We all need shared experiences; to know and understand what youth are experiencing. I hope every youth has a chance to experience the journey portrayed in STILL/FALLING. I know this play will start new and important conversations for the families who watch it together.”
More information is at Green Thumb Theatre.
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