Seacoast Rep to Present STORIES OF ADDICTION

The Seacoast Repertory theatre is seeking submissions to be presented in a one-time-event, Stories of Addition (working title), in an attempt to help raise awareness about the heroin and addiction epidemic affecting the Seacoast. Stories should be non-fiction, 5 minutes or less when read out loud, and can be from any point of view. In addition to seeking stories from those suffering from or recovering from addition, Seacoast Rep is also stories from caretakers, family members, friends, or any unique perspective.

Stories of Addiction will be co-produced by the Seacoast Repertory Theatre and Jackie Burke, writer and sibling of a victim of addiction. SRT's Executive Director, Kathleen Cavalaro came up with the idea after reading a powerful story written by Burke that shares her pain of the loss of her brother who died of an overdose in 2007. Cavalaro brought the idea to Burke who was eager to help bring awareness to our community.

"I felt alone in 2007 with very few others understanding the tragedy of death by addiction," said Burke. "Today, I know too many who know exactly what I've been through, who have lost a loved one, who know someone using this very moment, who have tried to help, be helped, and lost."

Writers will have the option to read their story live onstage or to have a speaker read it on their behalf, or to devise a performance based on the story as they deem appropriate.

Stories of Addiction will be a free event open to the public, and it will be scheduled after submissions are evaluated and selected.

"We hope to present an evening that will educate, raise awareness, and give people a voice," says Cavalaro.