Thrilled to be writing and directing this play for Collaboraction, in collaboration with Collaboraction company member and good friend/colleague Elsa Hiltner.
The play focuses on six people who are either suffering from mental illness (primarily depression) or dealing with a loved one who is, and how they intersect over the course of one day. It is inspired in part by several interviews Elsa conducted with people living with depression.
The official blurb:
Today, a young girl presents a school project. An ad executive is pitching a new client. A standup comedian prepares for a tour. Everyone is feeling it, but no one wants to talk about it.
Ronan Marra, former Co-Artistic Director of Signal Ensemble Theatre, teams with noted Chicago theater artist and Collaboraction Company Member Elsa Hiltner to create a theatrical exploration of depression and its many forms. Drawn from research and interviews, The Mars Assignment will shine a light on the presence of depression in contemporary society and the stigmas that continue to keep our friends and loved ones from seeking treatment for their mental illness.
October 20 - November 20, 2016