On a year-long West Coast Tour... Coming off SOLD OUT shows in LA/Pasadena and Seattle...
Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP) presents
Playing Monopoly with God & Other True Stories
Hilarious. Heart-wrenching. Human.
A true tale of childbirth, madness and the journey home.
Please click here for the flyer.
Saturday, June 3rd, 2017 - ONE NIGHT ONLY
Marjorie Luke Theatre - Santa Barbara
Doors 6:15PM & Show 7PM, Q&A immediately follows
$21 Advance and $25 At Door
In September 2012, at 40 years old, Melissa Bangs gave birth to her beautiful daughter Adelaide. A month later, dramatically hormone depleted and sleep deprived, Melissa is admitted to the Providence Psychiatric Facilities in a complete manic state. After nearly a month, she is sent home with a bipolar diagnosis and on lithium. What comes next is an extraordinary journey.
On her path back to wholeness, one of the things Bangs did was read her entire 100 plus page hospital record. Somewhere, around page 87, there is a nurse’s note that looks as if it were scribbled late at night after a long shift. It reads, “Patient says she will do comedy on this experience.” Upon reading this, Bangs laughed out loud.
The psych team couldn’t have possibly known that Bangs has been a storyteller her entire life and did comedy for a stint, as a student, at the Upright Citizens’ Brigade in New York City. They couldn't have known that transforming details from the most painful experience of her life into a room full of laughter would prove healing for so many.
Join Melissa for an evening of true stories full of bewilderment, chaos and hilarity. Bangs has a knack for telling true stories that cut to the bone of our shared, vulnerable human condition. Her true gift, however, comes in the moments in which she’s able to strip away the shame or agony of an experience and transform the room into an uproar of laughter.
Contact: Erika Adler
Local Event Coordinator for PEP
Melissa Bangs
Writer, Director, Producer, Performer
Playing Monopoly with God
& Other True Stories
“If my story does nothing else, may it unleash yours."
About Postpartum Education for Parents (PEP):
PEP celebrates 40 years this year. To celebrate and honor PEP's history of giving parents the space to share the highs and lows of parenthood, PEP presents Playing Monopoly with God And Other True Stories.It is the FIRST stage performance in the U.S. based on a true and personal experience with postpartum psychosis. By presenting this performance in Santa Barbara, PEP hopes to raise awareness and spark conversation; break down the barrier of stigma; and be the catalyst for change in developing a more robust support network of resources for families dealing with maternal/paternal mental health issues. May those that attend be inspired, find forgiveness, and shed shame to tell their own story after experiencing this transformative performance by Melissa Bangs. The real impact is born from others speaking their truth for truer understanding.
Sharing the highs and lows of parenthood since 1977.
PEP is a local non-profit, all-volunteer organization. PEP has supported thousands of Santa Barbara families since 1977. Our mission is to nurture parents in the Santa Barbara area through the adjustment period of the growing family and reduce the impact of Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) by providing opportunities for education, support and social engagement in a way that is non-judgemental, encouraging and fosters connections.
PEP provides various services including;
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>New Parent Groups which provides free group meetings and online social support during the postpartum period creating a critical support network for new parents that fosters connections;
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>the PEP Warmline that provides confidential one-on-one peer-led support, information and resource referral;
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Baby Basics (Infant Care & Behavioral Class) that provides information to new parents on topics such as infant sleeping, feeding, behavior, diapering, safety, postpartum adjustment and PMADs;
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Postpartum Outreach that checks on new parents to answer any questions parents may have and connect them with local resources (if needed);
<![if !supportLists]>· <![endif]>Support for Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) for parents who may be suffering from PMADs.
PEP services are offered in English and Spanish.
For more information about PEP and the services offered visit www.sbpep.org.
Posted on behalf of Kelley Barragan, RN, PHN, MS, Chair
Perinatal Wellness Coalition of SB