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Free Performance Raises Awareness of Postpartum Depression Livingston, N.J. - Raising awareness of Postpartum Depression (PPD) is an important step in helping those new mothers who often suffer from the disorder in silence for fear of being judged, or judging themselves, inadequate mothers. The public is invited to attend a new, two-act play, In the Shadow of my Son, that speaks to the sense of lost self, lost power and shame that women with PPD experience - leavened with humor and messages of hope. Drawing on the experiences of three such mothers, the play weaves a rich tapestry of excerpts from interviews, personal essays and novels to tell a compelling, entertaining story. Using five actresses, a theme of boxes and children’s items as props, it educates audiences while reassuring those suffering from the disorder that they are not alone - or crazy. Integrating broader cultural views on motherhood, it also serves to affirm the vital concept of community as a force for acceptance and support, with the power to reduce greatly the stigma of the disorder, help end the social isolation of its sufferers, and even prevent PPD altogether. The one hour fifty-minute full theater production of In the Shadow of My Son is intended an adult audience only and will be performed on Wednesday, March 21, 2007, in the Islami Auditorium at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, located at 94 Old Short Hills Road in Livingston. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 7 p.m. Educating audiences about these symptoms and the promise of healing, In the Shadow of My Son reflects some of its author, Nadine Bernard’s, personal experience in the transition to motherhood. The mother of a five-year-old son, Ms. Bernard is an actor, writer and director, and a graduate of Cornell University and Sarah Lawrence College. She is the founder of Out of the Shadow Productions, established in 2005. Its mission is to produce stories of recovery, self-discovery, transcendence, and hope that bridge differences among people based on life stages, circumstances and cultures. Its ultimate purpose is to break down boundaries of prejudice, stigma and intolerance. Those interested in attending are asked to make reservations by calling 1-888-SBHS-123, select prompt #1. The performance is being sponsored by the Saint Barnabas Medical Center Employee Campaign and produced by Out of the Shadows Productions. February 15, 2007 CONTACT: PUBLIC RELATIONS (973) 322-9901 [ top ] |
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