The Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC) Drama Club is staging an original production entitled ‘Aeternum’ as part of the 2019 Nobel Laureate Festival. The play will be put on at the National Cultural Centre on Wednesday, Jan. 23, at 7 p.m.

Written and directed by SALCC Drama Club students, the play tells the story of a young man who commits suicide and then finds himself in purgatory. He is forced to face his inner demons and confront the issues that led him to take his own life.

Director of the play and President of the SALCC Drama Club, Chrisla Emmanuel, said that she and her team chose to write about suicide because of the notable increase in the island’s suicide rate, particularly among young men. She said the underlying issue is depression and the fact that Saint Lucians are still uncomfortable with talking openly about this and other mental health challenges.

‘Aeternum’ is meant to show that depression can affect anyone at any point in their lives and there should be no stigma surrounding it and those who are affected. Emmanuel wants the play to inform and educate the audience on this provocative issue of suicide and encourage more public dialogue on the subject. It promises to be a thought-provoking production with a cast of talented actors and crew.

The general public is invited to attend the play. Tickets cost EC$20 while students pay $10.