ANN ARBOR, MI–Four Wise Monkeys Productions presents a new play that challenges theatrical conventions and more importantly, shows the challenges of living with a mental illness.

“Mea’s Unique Garage Sale or What If Google Doesn’t Have the Answer?” will be presented at Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron Street, Ann Arbor, Oct. 17 – 20.

The audience will immediately notice the unusual nature of this production. “When are you ever told to keep your phone on in the theatre?” playwright/director Joël Doty asks.

“Receiving text messages from Google is only one of the ways the play breaks conventions,” she explains. “The audience has several unusual opportunities to interact with the actors and even buy things at the garage sale.”

The play tells the story of MEA (Cydney Marie) who is overwhelmed with anxiety, ADHD, and life in the 21st Century. She is holding a garage sale to earn money to travel to Texas with ENDGAME, (Giuseppe LoDuca) a veteran who suffers with PTSD. The two have funny (and not so funny) ways to deal with their problems. Mea’s fate lies in her ability to cope. Will something happen to help her?

“Mea’s Unique Garage Sale is a quiet yet powerful transaction between artist, audience and perceptions of mental health in our society today,” Capital Stages Playwrights’ Revolution. The play also features Dana Blaszkowski, James Busam, Nicole Hunt, Jenna Pittman and Matthew Swift as ensemble members who help Mea tell her story and enlighten the audience about her past.

Statistics show that one in four of us suffer from a mental health disorder. On average, 20 veterans commit suicide each day. After each performance, mental health professionals will share information with the audience about resources available to help people throughout the community.

Playwright, author, and Ann Arbor resident, Doty has been a Tennessee Williams scholar at Sewanee and was selected for the Kennedy Center Playwrights Workshop. Her short plays have been produced around the country.

Tickets on line: www.theatrenova.org beginning September 1 or at the door starting one hour before performance. Advance tickets recommended.
Theatre Nova, 410 W. Huron St. Ann Arbor Price: $22.00. Performances: Oct. 17, 18, 19 at 8:00pm Oct. 20 at 3:00 and 7:00. For more information email fourwisemonkeys44@gmail.com, or call 734-780-7224.

PRESS NIGHT is Oct. 17. Please call or email for reserved seat.