Beneath The Skin

Greater Boston’s newest up and coming fringe theatre company, Pariah Theatre continues their tradition of tackling issues of social justice through the power of theatre.  Their upcoming production, Beneath the Skin, with shows on March 28, 2019 Through March 31 2019 at the Meetinghouse in Codman Square tackles the stigma of mental health in our communities. In this brand new work, with book by local playwright Zareh Artinian and music and lyrics by Boston musician, Melissa Carubia, tell the story of Cynthia, played by Lauren Foster, a music major who struggles with depression stemming from past abuse. Haunted by the voices in her head that remind her of everything that’s wrong with her, everyday is a battle. Thankfully her girlfriend, Pamela, played by Bailey Libby, convinces her to join the college choir where Cynthia becomes wildly popular.  After a series of events, Cynthia struggles with her self-injurious behavior and finds herself in the Wellvue Inpatient Mental Health Facility. With a realistic book, and moving musical score, the audience follow’s Cynthia’s journey of candid introspection as she heals old wounds and she navigates her way toward recovery while trying to mediate her identity in the LGBTQ+ community and her conservative Christian culture.

“Beneath the Skin is not only based on my journey, but the journeys of three other very real individuals.  We see their stories played out in the life of Janice: a non-combat military veteran with PTSD, Bryce: a young man with Bipolar I Disorder, and Joshua: a teenage boy battling anorexia.” shares the show’s creator, Athena Horton. “Not only was Beneath the Skin healing to me, I hope that it can serve the same purpose to those that take part in it, whether they are acting on stage or participating as an audience member. My hope is that people can see themselves, their friend, their sister, their son, on stage; and feel comfort in knowing they are not alone. They are not defined by their diagnosis. It is okay to seek help.”

The show’s director,  Michael Amaral shared,  “What I love about this show is how it presents these characters in a raw realism that shows the honest humanity behind mental illness and how it impacts us and our communities.  The story of Cynthia’s (our main character) climb up and over the obstacles of acceptance, identity, mental illness, and rejection of her community is so much more than the average musical.  It is a whole experience that ends with the realization it’s okay that we have hills, it’s okay, and we’re not alone.”

The show is being staged through a partnership with the newly formed community center, The Meetinghouse at Codman Square.  “Our community partners have been amazing resources to help us. We’re excited be in residence at the Meetinghouse and discover what this new space can do for our mission as a company”  Amaral hopes that this project will help transform the discussion in various communities through this project and others to come. “I hope that our work becomes a catalyst for hope, help, and support.  I hope that we create a cause for dialogue in our circles of influence. I hope each person leaves our show knowing their voice is heard. There’s a line in the show that sums up our message: ‘we are people, we are stories, we’re survivors, we’re one.”

Audience members should note that the content in this production contains material not suitable for young audiences, parental guidance is advised.  The show also contains sensitive material that may be upsetting for audiences so a trigger warning for depression, self-harm, suicide, abuse, and strong language is being presented, please use your best judgement.

Beneath the Skin opens March 28 and runs through March 31 at the Meetinghouse at Codman Square, 600 Washington Street, Dorchester, Boston, MA.

Show times and dates are:

Thursday, March 28 at 7:30pm, Friday, March 29 at 7:30pm, March 30 at 3:30pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday March 31 at 3:30pm.  The 3:30pm Shows will feature a talkback. Doors are a half hour before curtain.

Ticket prices are $18.00 for general admission and are available at www.BeneaththeSkin2019.BrownPaperTickets.com or at the door – cash only.

The Meetinghouse is a historical building and is not ADA accessible, patrons will have to utilize stairs to get to the space.  The campus of the Meetinghouse is tobacco, alcohol, and substance free. The Meetinghouse is accessible by bus, or the Shawmut Stop on the Redline.  Limited street parking is available. The entrance for this show is on the Centre Street side of the building at the rear. 17 Centre Street, for GPS address.

This production joins Pariah Theatre Company’s inaugural season with recently produced “The Yellow Wall Paper” and “Revival: A Southern Gothic Gospel Cabaret.”  Stay tuned for our upcoming production of “Tulsa ‘21” in June. Learn more about Beneath the Skin and these projects by visiting www.pariahtheatre.com