thats depressing…

Why did I decide to do a play about depression? It’s a question I’m being asked a lot, mostly by myself, as we try to “sell” A Mix Tape For Ophelia. Depression is not an easy sell, and doesn’t sound nearly as exciting as becoming a drag queen or exploring interconnectedness. But maybe the hard sell is part of the reason I’ve been so excited to do this show- it’s a topic we’re not really talking about. I mean, I’m sure you’ve heard of It Gets Better, but did you make a movie yourself? I bet you, or someone you are pretty close to, has been (or is) depressed, but have you ever seen a show that is about depression?
When Sarah Fiske and I were flyering at the Up Your Ally Fair, we got a chance to try and “pitch” the show. And while not many people want to talk about depression at a BDSM streetfair, I was really happy to interact with those who did. If you’ve lost someone to suicide, or wrestled with that demon yourself, it not something people invite you to talk about much, but it can weigh pretty heavy. Strangers were eager to hear about what we were doing, and to share their connections with suicide and suicide prevention. Some people wanted to donate to the cause, even though we weren’t collecting money. Especially touching were people that disclosed how helpful SF Suicide Prevention had been for them- one man let us know he used to call the hot line almost every day, and they had gotten him through his first few years in a new city. Another woman told us about the struggle her son had with depression, and how scared she was of losing him before he found a good treatment. Going home, I felt reassured about why I was doing this show- I am creating space for us to talk about these things. The show is just my way of opening the conversation. I hope that between the show, and the gallery work I’ve put up at CounterPULSE this dialogue keeps happening between new people, and that our community becomes more comfortable asking (and talking) about these darker and difficult subjects.
love,
matisse