Arts CCM to present play tackling depression, suicide

The Macao Cultural Centre (CCM) is set to present “4.48 Psychosis,” a tale of darkness and despair adapted for a contemporary theatrical production, tomorrow and on Saturday.

Described as a combination of utter despondency and British humor, the play examines death and depression, telling the story of a young woman trapped by panic, anguish and humiliation.

Originally written by Sarah Kane, this adult-only piece was produced for the first time at the Royal Court in London in 2000, 18 months after the playwright, aged 28, took her own life.

“4.48 Psychosis” paints a portrait of a tragic, complex, contradictory and controversial woman afflicted by mental illness.

During a meeting with the press yesterday, director of the play Grzegorz Jarzyna remarked, “there are many non-fiction points in [this play].”

According to Jarzyna, the “4.48” in the play’s title refers to the moment that a new day begins, a critical moment for those with depression who may be thinking of ending their lives.

“We treat this as a piece of art and as poetry,” the director said.

“I think the part where the [the protagonist] started to write a diary to share her illness was so important because that was a part of her ego [and admitting] that she has a strong illness,” he added.

The main role is played by screen and stage actress Magdalena Cielecka, who received the Herald Angel Award at the Edinburgh Festival in 2008.

Cielecka shared that she met with psychologists and psychiatrists to further understand the mental illness and the behaviors of victims of depression.

“Luckily I’ve never suffered from depression so I had to read books about it and about suicide,” said Cielecka.

The production caused a stir in New York, at the Festival Scenes Etrangers in Lille, France, and the Hong Kong Arts Festival, as well as through performances in cities like Beijing and Shanghai. LV