5th Annual Community Conversation to feature a a comedic approach to a serious topics; show is free but reserving a ticket is encouraged

The Rockwell Theater at Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School on Memorial Boulevard is the location of the 5th Annual Conversation. Photo | Laura Bailey

Posted By: Staff December 7, 2023

The 5th Annual Community Conversation, focusing on ending the stigma of mental illness and featuring the comedic touring group, “1 Degree of Separation,” will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at 6 p.m. at The Rockwell Theater at the Bristol Arts and Innovation Magnet School.

Attendance is free but program sponsor Bristol Parks, Recreation, Youth and Community Services recommends reserving a seat at BristolRec.com, since seating is limited.

The “1 Degree of Separation” website states, explicitly, that the show, with a subtitle of “A Funny Look at Suicide and Depression,” is aimed at ending the stigma of mental illness through comedy.

“Depression has one degree of separation: if you don’t suffer, then someone you know does,” the website states.

Following that statement is the group’s aim “to bring dialogue, awareness, and acceptance for those suffering from depression through laughter and vulnerability.”

The statement continues with, “We laugh at the dark stuff, because laughter releases the pain. We talk about depression, because no one should feel shame.”

It concludes with this, “With an army of comedians, we hope to kill the stigma of depression and share stories of hope, happiness and triumph.”

The group’s website and Facebook pages contain positive reviews of the show, with recommendations for others to see it. For the website, click here. For Facebook, here.

The performance will be followed a panel discussion and then by the opportunity for anyone seeking mental health support to visit six different informative booths: National Alliance on Mental Illness, Bristol-Burlington Health District, Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and Peaceful Mind, Behavioral Health and Wellness.

Tickets are available at www.bristolrec.com under “Downtown Live” by visiting the “Register” tab then “Programs” and “Special Events.” Tickets are free and there is no charge for attendance.

A ticket reserves one seat. Additional tickets cannot be guaranteed at the door.

For comment or questions related to Downtown Live or schedule release, please contact Arianna Therriault, City Arts & Culture Supervisor at ariannatherriault@bristolct.gov or (860)584-6120.

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