New play presents honest look at ADHD
“ADHD is wonderful and frustrating, it’s misunderstood.”
Ask playwright and actor Nathan Coppens what attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is and he is quick with his answer.
I Have No Idea is a very personal piece for playwright and actor Nathan Coppens. (Facebook)
“ADHD is wonderful and frustrating, it’s misunderstood.” Coppens explains, “ADHD is just another language that our brains use.” Coppens was diagnosed with ADHD in his 30s and says it took a long time for him to figure it all out. That journey was the inspiration for I Have No Idea.
The play centers on four main characters, both people with ADHD and their counsellors, as they navigate the world of neurodivergence. Coppens interviewed many people with ADHD as research for the play. He partnered with Listen To Dis’ Community Arts Organization and director Traci Foster to get the show, featuring a team of neurodivergent artists, to the stage.
“For me ADHD is like a family heirloom that’s been passed down.”
Actor Kristel Harder always referred to her differences as the “Harder brain”. They were also diagnosed in their 30s and says it was a revelation for family.
Kristel Harder (l) is excited to bring a story about ADHD to the stage. (Britainy Zapshalla)
“For me ADHD is like a family heirloom that’s been passed down. When I got diagnosed, there was a snowball of other diagnoses,” says Harder. “We realized that so much of what we love about ourselves, what we struggle with, it’s all wrapped up in ADHD. It’s an integral part of who I am.”
The production is filled with music, tender moments and comedy. Things both Coppens and Harder know people will recognize.
“Things like struggling to leave the house. Grabbing the bag, forgetting to put something in the bag, put the coffee down to grab the bag, forgetting the coffee, coming back to grab the keys,” lists Harder. “It’s all pretty relatable and hopefully, very funny.”
“I hope that first and foremost, it makes people who are neurodivergent feel less alone.”
Coppens is proud that his play is addressing something that many struggle with but that is often left out of the mainstream conversation. Giving those with ADHD and the people who love them an honest look at the experience.
“It can be a very frustrating and lonely process when you know ‘There’s something going on. I’m different,” and you don’t know what it is. It can be very confusing.” Coppens says, “I hope that first and foremost, it makes people who are neurodivergent feel less alone.”
I HAVE NO IDEA
March 14 – 24, 2024
The Refinery
Tickets $25 – $30
For more information and to purchase tickets click here.
