BATTLEFORD — A new live theatre production was first introduced to audiences in Regina and Saskatoon. The show is coming to the Battlefords as part of the provincial tour. A previous story on Â鶹´«Ã½AV.ca outlines details of the playwright’s inspiration and work.
“People will laugh, they will cry, they will feel and they will think.”
Neurodiversity, the power of music, the importance of friendship and how simply enjoying a coffee can make everything seem better represented in the play, 'I Have No Idea', coming to the Battlefords.
Nathan Coppens tells the News-Optimist, “Fresh off runs in Regina with On Cue Performance Hub and in Saskatoon with Live Five Independent Theatre, where it was the best-selling show of each company's season, I Have No Idea is going on tour in 2024-25 as a part of our Driving Disability Culture Home in Saskatchewan initiative to inform and educate the province about disability culture and neurodiversity. The production closed to a 500-person waiting list in Saskatoon in March 2024.”
Coppens is an award-winning playwright who also stars in the production. Dramaturged by Traci Foster, who also directs and founder of ‘Listen to Dis’ Community Arts Organization, and also stars Kristel Harder. The timely, relevant work is based on the lived experiences of the playwright and interviewees, featuring a team of neurodivergent artists.
Coppens company is called ‘In the Headlights’, which initially produced the work and ‘Listen to Dis’ is presenting and producing this tour.
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The production will be held Sept. 18 at the Battleford Community Players Clubhouse, located at 102-36th Street in Battleford.
You can learn more about the community arts organization by viewing their website, Listen to Dis’ Community Arts Organization:
Coppens offers this feedback from an audience member they received, “My god. I just saw I Have No Idea. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you for this little gem of a show. It was so stressful and cathartic and, ultimately, healing,” says Shanda Stefanson, audience member
Coppens said his inspiration came from his own experience with his own ADHD diagnosis and journey.
“ADHD is still a misunderstood disorder, and so many people don't get diagnosed until later in life, if they get diagnosed at all, and don't get the help and support and understanding they need,” said Coppens. “The classic presentation that we're all familiar with (and that we see in pop media) is the young hyperactive boy, but the fact is that only looking for that presentation dismisses a lot of people.”
Coppens said he never started learning about ADHD until he was 34, with the help of a friend, who had herself been diagnosed at 32. Her friend repeatedly told others she felt something was different about her and her brand.
Coppens notes that this same friend recognized similar things in him and together they listened to expert podcasts, as well as she shared some reading and recommendations that led her to get the help she needed.
This play gives voice to a range of experiences and also lets people know that they are not alone.
Coppens said one of the key messages for audience members to take away is that the world shouldn’t be a one-size-fits-all place. The playwright also acknowledges that this is not a story of trauma, but a story of friendship, music, hope and neurodiversity.
