Editor’s note: This story makes reference to suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling to cope, call the Suicide and Crisis Helpline at 988.
Three friends meet in an apartment in Harlem… what could go wrong?
Well, a lot went wrong, and a lot came out. When I saw this play, I cried, laughed, and gasped at some moments, but I left feeling inspired.
Prepare to be at the edge of your seats, QCity, and expect some twists and turns.
About the play
“Stuff Inside My Head” began as a book of poetry that contained some of the personal experiences playwright Michael Garcia faced while battling depression.
The play was written to encourage men of color to get help to care for their mental health. “Stuff Inside My Head” combines poetry and social commentary throughout the characters’ monologues and conversations.
Choosing a favorite
My favorite scene was a monologue of the main character’s father, who spoke about things he never got to tell his son.
The character expresses regret for moments lost and drives home a point to the audience that time is precious and people should speak up for help when needed.
What surprised me
The intensity of the plot was surprising. The play takes the audience along an emotional ride with the characters as they experience grief, anger, sadness, resentment and other emotions.
“Stuff Inside My Head” is full of intense scenes that deal with a range of heavy topics. Many unsaid words rise to the surface, and each character learns something new about the other, shining a light on how people can hide parts of themselves, despite the closeness of relationships.
What I wish was different
It would have been cool to see “flashbacks” of some of the other characters that were referenced in the past, such as one of the character’s first love and a family member of another character.
Final Verdict
“Stuff Inside My Head” was full of raw emotion and will definitely ignite you to reach out to someone you know or speak up if that someone is you. It was absolutely beautiful to see the vulnerability of men of color, who are often painted as “hard,” or emotionless.
The play’s next show is at the CPCC’s Parr Center on October 14.