**It was a very moving experience. A close friend and partner's life was ravaged by bipolar disorder but he refused treatment. I would recommend this performance.
**Moving, provocative and candid. Would recommend because it was a vivid and touching narrative of the pain and love for families and loved ones
** Unfortunately we could not make out the signatures on the last two testimonials.
(from a letter to the University of Windsor Psych Department)
There is a very good and powerful play called "Type 2 - A Tragic Comedy". It is about Bipolar Disorder, and it is a local gem that the psychology department should include in the curriculum for both undergrad and grad courses. The play brings to life the characteristic behaviors and conditions associated with Bipolar Disorder, and how the disorder affects the patient's personal and professional life as well as the lives of his or her significant others. It was written by a local actor (from Windsor) Jason Gale.
I say with confidence that my students would have loved this entertaining and educational play about Bipolar Disorder as it strongly facilitates discussion. The play is appropriate for a number of undergraduate courses (notable, Introduction to Psychology, Personality and Adjustment, and Abnormal Psychology), and would facilitate graduate-level course discussion as well.
I will follow-up by telephone in the next few days to further discuss the possibility of using "Type 2 - A Tragic Comedy" as an educational tool.
Dr. Lynn Perreault Dr. Lynn Perreault is a 2005 graduate of the Applied Social Psychology Ph.D. program at the University of Windsor and has also been teaching psychology courses in the psych department for over 8 years, including a third year Abnormal Psychology course, at University of Windsor
A letter from someone who lives with Bipolar Disorder Rick Tanner I enjoyed it because I live with bipolar. I would recommend this show because my husband and I both have bipolar. I took care of him for 15yrs until he passed this January. I still live with the disorder. Linda M. Lachine Very good, different and for some folks an eye opener. I would recommend this show because people need to know about the disease or disorder. Living with it is pure hell for the individual. Roberta Erhardt It shed quite a bit of light on bipolar. I would recommend it because if knowing can help as most times one does not. Knowing what to expect and having a show like this gives the insight. Anon Makes you think, realistic and honest. I would recommend this show because more people need to realize that mental illnesses are illnesses that are treatable. Gord Piggott It was thought provoking and shocking. Not easy to watch but worthwhile. Great performances. Would recommend. Anon I enjoyed the show very much. I would recommend because it is very educational towards the topic of bipolar disorder. Kim L. Priestap Excellent, excellent, excellent. No guff. I’m a bipolar victim and the way you two depicted it, that’s exactly all the facets I see to this malady. I would recommend because it will help victims understand not to suffer it and try to go it alone. For families and friends, it will take off some of their guilt in trying to bear with someone who suffers BPD. For anyone else, it’s a good lesson and learning. Gerald Skillings I felt that this performance was excellent and very thought provoking in the problems that a person with bipolar lives with each and every day of life. I would recommend because the more people get to see this type of theatre performance, the more people will understand about this problem and family members as well as persons suffering from bipolar will search for help for their loved ones or themselves. Margaret Superbly acted, stunningly realistic, at times too painful and intense to watch. I would recommend because of the good information and it really shows the impact on loves ones. D. E. Farels Enjoyed the show and would recommend because it is representative of the disorder and realistic situations. Anon Michelle and Jason are always a pleasure to watch. Both are very good at making a strong point in a positive manner. I would recommend this show. Hilary N. Sivyer
I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in January of this year. This diagnosis was really difficult for me to absorb and be ok with. I struggled daily just to understand what the heck happened to me. Your play not only enlightened me, it helped to heal me. It allowed me to accept that this is a part of my life from now on, that I am not alone in this weird world inside my head. I heard words verbatim that I have uttered, arguments that have occurred in my house, roll from the stage. I went home that night and cried for hours, the kind that are cathartic and cleansing. I only hope that your play affects others the way it did me. I thank you for helping me find the acceptance of myself that I was seeking.
It was a fluke that I even heard about it. My grandfather thought I was talking about Type 2, when I was talking about Twilight LOL. We ended up going together. He came out of it with a greater understanding, which has been really helpful. He's a lot more patient with me on those days I just can't seem to function.
I am planning on bringing my two best friends to see the play in Woodstock in March. I know they will both be thrilled, as they were both disappointed at not being able to make it for the November show.
Thank you both for the wonderful education you are providing. I think what you are doing is fantastic! Bust those walls of stigma down! I even told my psych that she needs to see it and I think she's planning on going to Toronto to see it.
I hope you both have had a wonderful Christmas! May 2009 keep you really busy, informing and educating.
I look forward to seeing you on stage again!
Blessings and thank you,
- Kevin F. Johnston, Windsor Fringe Technician
