A comedian, a playwright, a performer and certified insane, JD Derbyshire has turned their experiences with the Canadian mental health system into a one-person play, Certified, running March 8-20 at Gateway Theatre, directed by Roy Surette.
In Certified, Derbyshire turns the audience into their personal mental health review board to assess their sanity and takes the audience through a hilarious and heart-aching journey through the mental health system. Audiences grapple with questions like: how do we define “crazy” and who gets to decide? And in this case, the audience does.
“This show was originally lined up for our 2020-2021 season, but due to the uncertainty of live performances at that time, we had to cancel. We are thrilled to be finally presenting this timely piece, especially since it has been over two years since we’ve had a live audience in our Studio B theatre. During these challenging times, mental health is more important than ever and it’s so crucial to break the stigma around it” says Barbara Tomasic, Director of Artistic Programs. “We can’t wait to bring this brilliant and award-winning play to our audiences.”
Certified has garnered two Jessie Richardson Awards for Outstanding Script and Critics’ Choice Innovation Award in the 2019 production at Touchstone Theatre. Since its premiere at the Vancouver Fringe Festival in 2016, this show has seen numerous productions across the country including at the Handsome Alice Theatre (Calgary) in 2018, One Yellow Rabbit’s High Performance Rodeo (Calgary) in 2020, and the Progress Festival (Toronto) in 2020.
Gateway Theatre recognizes that traditional theatre etiquette can be restrictive for many patrons. For the entire run of Certified, performed at reduced capacity in Studio B, Gateway is offering an ‘open environment’ where patrons can relax and enjoy the show at their comfort level. This judgment-free, ‘no-shushing’ environment allows patrons to move in and out of the venue freely, laugh as loudly or quietly as they please, and move around and fidget. A ‘chill-out’ zone in the main lobby is also available for patrons who may need a break from being in the theatre and can re-enter at any time.
Certified plays at Gateway Theatre in Richmond from March 8 to 20, 2022. Tickets are on sale now at gatewaytheatre.com, audiences are advised that the show is recommended for audiences 14+, and includes strong language, sexual content and nudity, with (minimal) audience participation.
In addition, Gateway Theatre will be offering a Pay-What-You-Will performance to provide access to those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to attend. As tickets are highly limited, Gateway Theatre will be reaching out to specific communities that may benefit from this initiative before opening it up to the general public.