Two sides to every story

The Valley examines an altercation between a cop and a mentally ill

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Prairie Theatre Exchange’s presentation of The Valley promises to tell a story “ripped from the headlines” with playwright Joan MacLeod touching on such subjects as mental illness, conduct within the police service, and what it means to take responsibility for our actions.

“We get some insight into two worlds that are often misunderstood,” says director Anne Hodges. “We’re following these people into their homes rather than perpetuating assumptions.”

Local actor Toby Hughes plays Connor, a young man who becomes disillusioned with the university experience and sinks into a depressed state. Set in Vancouver, the play examines the events that follow an altercation between Connor and a police officer on a SkyTrain.

Hodges says the research necessary to portray these characters with sensitivity is an ongoing process. She has invited guest speakers from the Winnipeg Police Service into PTE, as well as people who have worked in mental health facilities, or dealt with depression in their personal lives. 

“It’s one thing to read about these subjects, but it’s another thing to have the opportunity to ask really specific questions. I’m working with such good, smart actors and they are constantly digging deeper,” Hodges says.

In addition to the research the group puts in as a cast, Hughes has found that the Internet is a helpful tool for finding poignant, unique portrayals of mental illness.

“I can go on Reddit and actually say ‘Hi, I’m an actor working on this project and I’d like to portray it sensitively,’” Hughes says. “I get so many replies. A lot of young people write about the physical sensations they feel, and I found that was what resonated for me.”

Hughes said he realized that because Connor, a shy character, went away for school, he probably hasn’t been touched for a long time. Through that realization and his personal research, he found a sense of empathy for people like Connor. 

“It must be so infuriating,” Hughes says. “People will say you’re out of touch with reality, but that’s not what it is. It is more that it seems like everyone else is out of touch… and [that feeling] is just a part of your reality. It’s very scary in that respect.”

Though the subject matter is heavy, Hughes found that there are many artists who portray their mental health issues with humour. He mentions Hyperbole and a Half, a webcomic by Allie Brosh, as an example of this. 

Similarly, The Valley has its moments for levity and some dark humor. Hodges says she aims to leave the audience feeling hopeful.

“The process through the play is a deeper understanding that leads to a greater sense of healing, which I think will be similar to the audience’s experience,” Hodges says. “They’ll leave being able to start that open dialogue.” 

Published in Volume 68, Number 22 of The Uniter (March 5, 2014)

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