Kickstarter

Gruesome Playground Injuries depicts the thirty year friendship of characters Kayleen and Doug using scars, injuries, and disfigurements as milestones. The nonlinear storytelling structure jumps forward fifteen years and backwards ten years, every scene expressing a pivotal moment in the characters’ relationship. This short play explores the universal theme of why we are willing to hurt ourselves to gain the love of others. Pulitzer Prize finalist and playwright Rajiv Joseph puts an innovative spin on contemporary drama with a non-traditionalist approach to scene transitions; the actors never leave the stage, all costume and makeup changes happening in audience view, contributing to the idea that the actors’ work should not be hidden from the audience. Although abstract, the piece is widely relatable because of its reflection on human nature and how sometimes the people we love the most are the people we treat the worst. 

Message from the producer, Gina D'Arco:Through this project, my first as producer, I want to share a fantastic piece of theatre with the Nashville community. Theatre is meant to be shared and appreciated by the community as a whole and that when a group of people are all equally passionate about a work, theatre can serve as a transformative experience that unites the community. 

Gruesome Playground Injuries sends an invaluable message that reminds of all us the power of human relationships. How togetherness can be both beautiful and dangerous and why we are sometimes willing to hurt ourselves for the love of others. I want to share this work with you: I know that everyone will be able to relate to at least one moment in this play because Joseph’s dialogue is so truthful and raw. It’s funny and heartbreaking, complex and simple. 

This story needs to be told and I can't wait to share it but I can’t do it on my own. I have an incredible team of fellow students joining me—DJ Clark (director and rising senior at Belmont), Grace Kelly Mason (stage manager and rising sophomore at Belmont), and co-starring is Miles Gatrell (rising junior at Belmont). The cast and crew are not only my close friends, but talented artists. In addition to their support, I’m asking you for yours… 

We don't need a lot.  If we could get 40 people to donate just $10.00 each, our expenses which include production rights, props, wardrobe, and advertising would be funded. In return we guarantee a quality theatrical experience, both innovative and experimental—brand-new to the Nashville theatre scene. 

Thank you in advance for your contribution and your support for student art in Nashville!  Your support is invaluable and greatly appreciated. It’s people like you, artists and theatre-goers alike that keep this craft alive—to continue to provide a reflection of humanity and touch our hearts.