Addiction is a disease with ripple effects that stem far beyond just the user. Family dynamics change and the disease becomes something like an elephant in the room, present at every gathering, birthday and holiday.
With their upcoming production of the show “Barbecue,” LBCC’s theater department leans into dark humor while broaching the subject of drug and alcohol abuse.
Set at a barbecue in a public park, the play tells the story of how a family deals with the difficult task of intervening on their loved one’s destructive habits.
For Rayna Verdine, who plays Lillie Anne, stepping into her role gave her the opportunity to dig deep and channel some of her own lived experiences to bring awareness to her performance.
“My father was absent because of his addiction. It’s almost like experiencing the loss again,” Verdine said. “To tell this story, you have to go to a dark place you almost don’t want to go back to because you know that if you stay too long, you might get stuck. After every performance, I have to pull myself out.”
Verdine’s sentiments were echoed by her castmates who have supported one another over the last few weeks while tackling the emotional subject matter of the show.
“Decompressing is so important,” said Reigh Levinstein, who plays Adlean, “Checking in with your scene partner too. It’s intense subject matter covered in this layer of comedy.”
For director Adam Navarro, bringing “Barbecue” to life hit close to home.
“I have two friends who have died from ODs (overdoses) in the last two years,” Navarro said, “And in the pandemic, we saw a lot of addiction be exacerbated by the pandemic. The show is helpful and hopeful. It’s not too preachy, but it gets the message across.”
“Barbecue” is a newer play, written in 2015 by Robert O’hara that presents addiction as a mirror through which to see one’s own flaws and shortcomings. It features two casts who switch off throughout the show.
For those who have struggled with addiction or have loved someone with an addiction, the play offers space for reflection, laughter, and hope.
“Barbecue” is showing at the Barbara Ellis Auditorium May 16-17 at 7:30 p.m., May 18 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. and May 19 at 2 p.m.
A special preview performance will be held today at 7:30 p.m.