NEWS: Suicide Prevention meets online dating

'HI, STRANGER' - An online play supporting suicide prevention

​Released free online Wednesday 9 September - in support of World Suicide Prevention Day - short virtual play ‘Hi, Stranger’ explores suicidal thoughts through the lens of online dating.

“As with all mental health difficulties, talking is so important,” notes young writer/director Kristen Brookman. “Feeling isolated is a common symptom of suicidal thoughts, and I wanted to tell a story that allowed that vulnerability to be shown, then challenged."

On her hopes for the play, Brookman, 21, is unwavering, “There is absolutely no shame in sharing our vulnerabilities. I want anyone who watches the play to remember that.”

Fittingly, ‘Hi, Stranger’ is set amid a COVID-19 lockdown, with its two central characters meeting for the first time via Zoom.

“Online dating is the perfect way to reach, emotionally, a younger demographic - who are increasingly vulnerable to suicide. Admittedly, grounding the play in a Zoom call was necessity over design, given COVID-19, but in retrospect, the limitation became a blessing - because I was free of all distractions and better able to express the value of conversation.” says Brookman, an award-nominated young director from Basingstoke, Hampshire. 

Writer/Director Kristen Brookman

Technically, the 12-minute play required extreme precision from its actors, as the entire thing is filmed in one continuous take. 

“If anything comes out of this, I hope it’s that people are encouraged to talk to each other and not be afraid to approach these subjects with loved ones”.

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Released in support of CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably), ‘Hi, Stranger’ stars Tom Lewin & Penelope Yeulet. 

​Watch free here on Wednesday 9 September, 8pm - for a special live YouTube Q&A with Kristen Brookman and the cast. 

​Media queries: abi@iconsmachines.com

Tom Lewin | Represented by Birdston Talent Management

Penelope Yeulet | Represented by Quende Management