Stratford Library presents short-play festival in recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month

The Stratford Library will present “An Afternoon of Short Original Plays in Recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month” Saturday, May 6 at 2 p.m. in the Lovell Room at the Stratford Library, 2203 Main Street, Stratford.

The staged readings of seven original plays and monologues focus on various aspects of mental health and well-being such as depression, anxiety and grief. The program features original short plays by three Stratford playwrights: “For the Violin” by Beatriz Allen, “Tuna & Jack,” by Mark Lambeck and “ReVamp” by Orna Rawls. It also includes “Too Much Clatter” by Rachel H. Babcock of Branford, “Mirror, Mirror” by Jennifer Ju of Milford, “Lamentation” by Peggy Sperling of Shelton and “A Letter to Ben” by Randye Kaye of Trumbull. Directors for the festival are: Beatriz Allen and Lucy Babbitt of Stratford, Linda Gilmore and Elayne Gordon of Norwalk, Ann Baker of Milford, Robert Watts of North Haven and Meredyth Babcock of Becket, Massachusetts. Actors are Jennifer Ju, TJ Chila, Matt Simmons and Richard Warren, all of Milford; Sam Mink of Norwalk; Alexis Mercado of Ansonia; Joan Barere of New Haven; Rachel H. Babcock of Branford; Vickie Blake of Clinton, Lauren Nicole Sherwood of Stamford and Fredda Takacs of Trumbull.

With the advent of the COVID pandemic and social isolation, mental health came to the forefront with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicating an increase in reported anxiety or depression in both adults and America’s youth. May is recognized as “Mental Health Awareness Month.” The program is free and open to the public. “Resilience,” a collection of original plays focusing on overcoming personal struggles will be available for purchase at the event. Proceeds from its sale go directly to Sterling House Community Center in Stratford. While reservations are not required, space is limited. Wearing masks is optional. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.