Theatrefolk Featured Play – darklight by Lindsay Price

Welcome to our Featured Play Spotlight. Sadness. Hopelessness. Irritability. Anger. Hostility. Angst. Doubt. With teenage depression and anxiety rates on the rise, plays like darklight by Lindsay Price are more relevant than ever.

darklight examines depression and anxiety in teens. Characters fight their inner thoughts, search for their truths, and have surreal conversations with death. Some fail, some find hope.

This is a relevant and necessary issue to explore.

Let’s hear from the author!

1. Why did you write this play?
It is becoming more and more evident that depression and anxiety are consuming students. That means it’s a topic that must be discussed – it’s vital that students know they are not alone in their struggle.

2. Describe the theme in one or two sentences.
A theatrical examination of depression and anxiety in teens.

3. What’s the most important visual for you in this play?
There is a character called Luz who searches for those in need. She carries a lantern throughout. Her job is not to solve issues, or offer neat and tidy solutions. Her purpose is simply to hold a light. To let those in struggle know that even in the darkest night there are stars.

4. If you could give one piece of advice for those producing the play, what would it be?
There are many sad moments in the play. It’s a sad topic. Don’t “play” the sadness. Don’t overdramatize the emotions, which is extremely hard to resist sometimes, for sure. For example there is a character who is everyone’s best friend, who appears happy, well adjusted and together but he suffers from terrible depression. But you can’t play the sadness because no one sees it in him.

5. Why is this play great for student performers?
It’s an opportunity for discussion, community and communication on a topic that is happening to them and around them every day.