Henry Ford College presents “Gruesome Playground Injuries” in audience-surround format
HFC Theatre will present Gruesome Playground Injuries by Rajiv Joseph in the Black Box Theatre (Room F-161) in the MacKenzie Fine Arts Center (Building F on the main campus) on the following dates and times:
- Friday, April 18, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 19, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
- Friday, April 25, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
- Saturday, April 26, from 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
- Saturday, April 26, from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.
Gruesome Playground Injuries will be presented “in the round,” where the audience completely surrounds the action.
Sneak preview: Behind the scenes in rehearsal
How can two actors who barely know each other develop the kind of chemistry to portray a lifetime of complicated friendship? Find out here.
Less about wounds, more about healing
In Gruesome Playground Injuries, Doug and Kayleen meet in the nurse’s office at their elementary school. Kayleen has a stomachache, and Doug is banged up from a running dive off the school’s roof. Over the ensuing 30 years, they meet again and again, brought together by injury, heartbreak, and their own self-destructive tendencies. Gruesome Playground Injuries, which runs in a non-linear fashion, is a compelling and unconventional story of friendship and the intimacy between two people when they allow their defenses to drop and their wounds to show.
"Despite its somewhat shocking title, the play is less about wounds and more about healing," said HFC Director of Theatre Dr. John-Michael Sefel. “Rajiv Joseph has crafted a play about two people being there for one another over 30 years. Each scene occurs after an injury, so we find ourselves in spaces like emergency rooms and school nurse offices. While their difficulties are a central theme, it really is about them picking each other up."
HFC student Kourtney Collins will portray Kayleen, while HFC student Adam El-Zein will portray Doug. Sefel will direct Gruesome Playground Injuries.
“For me, HFC Theatre continues to be the safe space I wish everyone had,” said Collins. “The world terrifies me, but when I'm at Gruesome Playground Injuries rehearsals with my theatre people, my soul feels safe. Being in this show has been a gift and a reminder of what life's about: Finding people who feel like home.”
El-Zein agreed.
"Being involved in HFC Theatre ignited my love for theatre again,” said El-Zein. “I was unsure about my path, but with the wonderful experiences here, I've never been more sure theatre is what I want to do!"
HFC students work behind the scenes
While the play focuses on Collins and El-Zein’s characters, it will feature the behind-the-scenes efforts of at least 12 HFC students working in:
- Stage management
- Lighting design
- Costume design
- Sound design
- Scenic construction
HFC student Christopher Connolly is the stage manager for Gruesome Playground Injuries.
"HFC Theatre has been a second home to me,” said Connolly. “Because of HFC Theatre and the people who are a part of it, I have found a career path I can see myself doing for the rest of my life. I would be a completely different person if it weren't for the people of HFC Theatre."
Audience discretion is advised
Ticket prices for Gruesome Playground Injuries are:
- $10 for general admission
- $5 for students with a valid photo ID
A limited number of tickets are available; use the link at the top of this page to get your tickets early.
This play contains adult language, adult content, and frank conversations about difficult topics. Audience discretion is advised. The production is recommended for audiences 16 years and older.
For questions or more information about Gruesome Playground Injuries, contact Sefel at jsefel@hfcc.edu.
