Written by Rajiv Joseph and directed by Mary Trotter, Gruesome Playground Injuries is a dark, unconventional love story produced by the UW- La Crosse Department of Theatre and Dance at the Frederick Theatre in Morris Hall.
The production features a two-person cast. The story follows characters Kayleen and Doug over a span of 30 years, jumping through the ages 8 to 38. Rather than moving chronologically, the scenes bounce back and forth over time. Each period of life marked by both physical and emotional injuries, that come with growth and age.
Doug being more of a reckless daredevil, prone to severe accidents. While Kayleen struggles with chronic physical ailments and emotional trauma. As they reconnect repeatedly over three decades, their relationship becomes a haunting portrait of intimacy, dependency and the ways we both hurt and heal one another.
“The show is a little unsettling, but thought-provoking and unexpectedly humorous. I think it invites the audience to piece together a story that feels very strikingly human, asking how much pain we endure for love,” said a UWL student.
This show has a mature content warning. It deals with heavier topics, including substance abuse, self-harm, sexual assault, death of a family member and etc.
Performances are scheduled for:
- Nov. 5-7 at 7:30 p.m.
- Nov. 8 at 2 p.m.
Tickets available online, and in-person.
