"Touched" by Bess Wohl

Last night, my wife and I attended the Pioneer Memorial Theater production of "Touched" by Bess Wohl. I was delighted that it touched (a little pun intended) on many of the important issues and paradoxes of our day. I applaud the effort. For me, however, it was disappointing in that the play chose to validate some of the unfortunate virtues and behaviors that support hopelessness.

Some of the important issues and paradoxes presented were: 1. That we just don't know enough about mental illness and how to deal with it. 1a. That the challenges in understanding and dealing with mental illnesses applies to friends, family and professionals. 2. That Health Care System weaknesses and biases exist for many reasons, including money, job security, research, traditions and just because we don't know. and 3. If we don't learn to help ourselves, the lives of others are severely impacted.

It was especially disappointing to me that the play decided to publicly validate negative influences on mental health, including the use of the "f" word, alcohol consumption, smoking and a lack of civility.

When I go to a play, I want to feel that my time and effort has been rewarded. I want to go to a play to be inspired, to learn, to have my conscience pricked, to be entertained and to be a better person for having been there.

"Touched" had the opportunity to do this for me. It presented some of the important issues of our day. Unfortunately, the experience left me disappointed and empty.