This was a funny play, even as it deals with emotional content and the jokes almost serve to slyly hide how hard the punches are coming. It would be great to see it performed as so much of the dialogue is filled with interruptions and people being quick to start shouting, all the chaos of a family reunion that is limited in part by reading the words on a page.

The main character, Gerome, is a teenager who’s recently been diagnosed with schizophrenia, though he and his adoptive fathers have been handling the symptoms for years. The newness and intimidation of this diagnosis is the main struggle of the play, but family conflicts are piled on top as Gerome and his father Nick go on a road trip to meet Gerome’s birth mother and stop in for a visit with Nick’s brother’s family. Everyone has their own ideas on how schizophrenia should be handled and even what it means (cue loud, slow speaking as Gerome’s aunt tries to talk to him). 

This is a loud, chaotic story that gives a spotlight to people with schizophrenia and the stereotypes they face. It sat really heavily on me by the end, even with all the humour throughout, but I’m grateful for this story and its honesty in all things mental illness and family. Thanks to Playwrights Canada Press for a copy to review!