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It seems like everyone's medicated these days. Whether it’s relying on some Big Pharm pills or downing an herbal remedy, New Yorkers can’t help dosing up to feel better. This summer, give your liver a break with the Antidepressant Festival. Held at the puckish Brick Theater, this festival holds to an ambitious list of shows meant to cure your mental anguish and tickle your Off-Off Broadway soft spot. Here’s our guide to the fest’s top shows for those with some specifically troubling neuroses.
Symptom: Compulsive checking of Craiglist’s “Missed Encounters” page
Prescription: “And the Fear Cracked Open”, an acerbic and painfully funny look at a Minnesotan couple’s flawed search for love. After laughing at the trials and tribulations of this pair, your single status won’t seem so problematic.
Symptom: Acute withdrawal from "Dexter"
Prescription: “Your Lithopedion”, a dysfunctional comedy about the founder of Serial Killers Anonymous as a he attempts to navigate his way through the ups and downs of marriage. If this doesn’t appease your withdrawal from the Showtime series, you might as well start stalking the main character Michael C. Hall, since there is little hope for your affliction.
Symptom: Confusion between theater and reality
Prescription: “Suspicious Package: Rx”, an interactive drama that casts the audience as the protagonist. This high-energy play might not clear up your delusions, but it could be the launching of your new thespian career.
Symptom: Severe nostalgia for the original Nintendo
Prescription: “Adventure Quest”, an existential parody of classic computer games that will help anyone cope with their addiction to video games of yore.
Symptom: Delusions about the end of the world
Prescription: “Afternoon Playland”, a sock-puppet drama about the end of the world. This highly comical take on Armageddon would have even Nostradamus himself giggly on the floor and shrugging off thinking about Earth’s last days.
Symptom: Secret, kinky fantasies about Big Bird
Prescription: “Exit, Pursued by Bears”, a new play about furries, STDs and the Chicago garbagemen's union. This over-the-top play documents the double life of the main character Leon as he attempts to be a sanitation worker by day and a leader in the online anonymous furry sex community by night. After one viewing, you’ll either drop your love of Big Bird or quit living a lie and embrace who you are.
“The Antidepressant Festival” plays at the Brick Theater (575 Metropolitan Avenue, Brooklyn) from June 5 through July 4. Tickets are available online at bricktheater.com or by phone at 212-352-3101.
