Play tackling mental health issues to open at the Black Box Theatre

By Danna Bertel

Noelia Olivero, sophomore theatre major, plays Kayleen in the upcoming “Gruesome Playground Injuries” production.

“I find it really interesting to have to get into the mindset of an older person and how they would react in a certain situation, especially a vulnerable one,” Olivero said. “The content is really personal to me, and I just related a lot to Kayleen specifically, so I really wanted the opportunity to play her.”

The show “Gruesome Playground Injuries,” presented by the Department of Communication, Media, and the Arts, is coming to the Black Box Theatre in the Don Taft University Center from Feb. 16 – 18.

Alex Alvarez, assistant professor in DCMA and director of the play, chose “Gruesome Playground Injuries” hoping it would excite both the students and the department.

“It’s bold but it’s also sweet, tender and funny. It can be outrageous. It may even be uncomfortable for some,” Alvarez said.

He said the play focuses on the relationship between two people throughout different stages of their lives. It depicts some mental health issues.

“It’s about the relationship between two people, who met when they were 8 years old. And it chronicles pieces of their relationship until they’re about 38,” Alvarez said. “We see how they tried to connect with each other, and how they tried to help each other through certain challenges in their lives both effectively and ineffectively.”

Brooke Bowser, junior theatre major who plays Doug in “Gruesome Playground Injuries,” said the play touches on topics like depression, sexual assault and self harm.

“It’s very rewarding to be able to tell such a story that is just so complex and so beautiful at the same time because the whole show touches on a lot of subjects that I feel are very important,” Bowser said. “I think a lot of people, especially our age, I feel like it would really speak to them and I think it would be really good for them to come out and watch it.”

The play will have four showings with two alternating casts, each cast consisting of two students.

“It’s going to be interesting for people to see the same story with two different actors. Each set of actors brings a new perspective,” Alvarez said.

Dr. Aimee Sanchez-Zadak will lead talkbacks after each performance to help the cast and audience unpack the themes explored in the play.

For more information:

“Gruesome Playground Injuries” will be performed at the Black Box Theatre on Feb. 16 at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 17 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 18 at 2 p.m.

Admission is free.

Warning: This play includes ableist language, some graphic imagery of injuries, self-harm, and allusions of sexual assault.