type2bipolarshow
For anyone who has felt the impact of bipolar disorder on their lives
In the News
Type 2 - Press reviews
Hamilton Fringe Festival 2009
"it certainly is the most important play of (Hamilton) Fringe. The play is written by, and co-stars Jason Gale whose personal knowledge of bipolar manic depression bestows an added sense of truth to this work. Gale portrays Michael who caringly supports a wife suffering from the illness. Michelle Mainwaring imparts such realism to every symptomatic facet of the mental disease that one forgets this is but a stage performance. Her Jasmine character is a stand-up comedienne so the stress of "Show Biz" adds to the pressure cooker. ...the realism of rationalizations, excuses and roller-coaster mood-swings will make audience members begin to personally wonder "Am I Type 1 or Type 2" This is a must see production!" -Danny Gaisin, Ontario Arts Review
"One of the most honest and intense stories in this year's (Hamilton) Fringe is the all-encompassing "Type 2". With an absolutely brilliant performance by Windsor's Michelle J. Mainwaring and a hauntingly perfect script, this production is not to be missed."
-Jason Dick, The View Magazine
"You could call this show "Bipolar". When this show is funny, up you go to enjoy the comedy. When it deals with the issues of people living with the debilitating aspects of bipolar disorder, the play slips downward and becomes didactic and sombre. Jasmine Platt (well played by Michelle Mainwaring) is a stand-up comedienne with bipolar disorder who uses her up-phases as her engine for creativity. Jasmine charts a dangerous course to maintain the high by stopping her meds and risking the consequences. The play is written by Jason Gale who also plays Jasmine's patient and supportive husband. -Judith Stafford, Raise The Hammer
"Sad and funny. See these two qualities in one entity.. The main character, Jasmine (expertly played by Michelle Mainwaring) is a stand-up comic and her turns in the comedy circuit are staged very realistically..in this compelling and sincere production. It is an issue play and as such it has a message to get out. It does that. The issue is manic depression in it's new guise as bipolar disorder. It is explored in the character Michael (another fine performance by the author, Jason Gale) as a kind of occasional instructor with a flip sheet. Michael is married to Jasmine.. It's an exhausting battle between two extremes, and the tale that is told is of that battle and it's outcome for these two wonderfully likable people -Tom Mackan, Raise The Hammer
Windsor Fringe Festival 2008
"I absolutely loved the show, it was brilliant, very powerful!...it is the type of event that feeds the mind and soul. I hope this production encourages others to talk at home. Keep up the wonderful work."
- Jason Chapman, A Channel News
"Type 2 - A Tragic Comedy..addresses the importance of staying on meds and the hard-hitting reality of non-compliance to medications." -Ted Shaw, The Windsor Star
"The highs and lows of bipolar disorder are explored in this honest, humourous and heartwrenching play, Type 2 - A Tragic Comedy"
-Erica Bauer, The Chatham Daily News
"Just when I thought Michelle Mainwaring is the best comedic actor around, I found out she is truly a drama queen. Type 2 is a must see...but bring along a hanky."
- Melanie Deveau, CKLW News Radio
"I don’t often strongly recommend productions..You won’t be disappointed."
-Mary Ellen Herder, CK Times
"TYPE 2 is a show that goes in many interesting directions...you can't help but be affected by the dramatic toll this disorder takes on peoples' lives."
- Rob Tymec, WAMM Magazine
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Posted By Heather Rivers, STAFF WRITER
"This is not an easy play to watch," explained Jason Gale, who wrote and performs in the play he describes as "an intense and emotional exploration into bipolar disorder."
Gale, who himself is diagnosed with bipolar disorder, said he wrote the play to help people understand those who suffer from the disease and so "people with bipolar disorder don't feel as isolated, alone or weird."
Gale said before he was diagnosed and treated, his illness affected his life so much he lost his relationship and had alienated almost all his friends and family."
"I have no old friends," he said. "You're very self destructive when you're bipolar. When you're depressed, you won't let people be around you."
About seven years ago, Gale said he was prescribed "a really good cocktail" of prescription drugs that gave him his life back.
Gale stars with fellow actor, Michelle J. Mainwaring, in the show that tells the story of one couple's struggle with the disease.
The story revolves around comedian Jasmine Platt who has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and, while very likeable, tends to do really destructive things.
Gale said one of the major scenes revolves around the revelation that Platt has yet another extramarital affair.
As events progress in the play, Platt decides to go off the medication. "That's when the real trouble begins," Gale said. "The moral of this show is that you have to have treatment and medication. You have to see a shrink and you have to be truthful with a shrink." Gale said people with bipolar disorder have no control over "actions, moods and impulses" and notes a high rate of suicide.
"We're trapped inside thoughts that are going way too fast," Gale said.
Terri McCartney of the Canadian Mental Health Association said they chose the play because it meets the association's mandate of raising awareness and increasing sensitivity to mental health issues.
It also offers the possibility of hope to those currently struggling with the disease.
"It offers hope that recovery is possible, " McCartney said.
