Playhouse Square and UH Remind Grieving Families They Aren’t Alone
Playhouse Square and University Hospitals have long partnered to connect families with the performing arts. Most recently, that includes a film version of Cleveland playwright David Hansen’s one-man show I Hate This (a play without the baby) as a resource for education and healing. Hansen’s autobiographical, award-winning play details his experience as the father of a stillborn child – from the moment he and his wife learn about their son at a prenatal appointment, to the birth and the year that follows.
Each year, approximately 650,000 women in the U.S. experience perinatal loss, which includes miscarriages, stillbirths and neonatal loss, defined as when a baby dies within 28 days of birth.
UH is using the film as a tool in caregiver bereavement training and to facilitate discussion as part of their Helping Each Other After Loss (HEAL) Program.
“Grief, especially when it relates to the loss of a baby, comes in waves and can be very traumatic," said Allison M. Remy, MSSA, LISW, Joanie and Tom Adler Endowed Director of Parent Bereavement Programs at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s and UH MacDonald Women’s Hospital. “The grief process is a personal journey that differs for everyone and can feel incredibly isolating. Support groups can’t erase the hurt and sorrow, but they can help you understand your emotions and meet others who have lived similar experiences. When grieving, it’s important for families to know they aren’t alone.”
Playhouse Square hosted a public screening, presented by UH, on October 15 coinciding with World Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day. Afterward, the playwright and his wife participated in a panel discussion with UH psychologist Erika Kelley, PhD, allowing the audience to experience and express their emotions in a safe space.
“The arts go beyond bringing people together for a shared experience; they can also have the power to help us in the healing process,” said Daniel Hahn, Playhouse Square Vice President of Education. “We would not be able to share this powerful performance without the support of University Hospitals. Now, we can extend our reach by providing the film version to frontline staff who are helping families through this unimaginable time.”
I Hate This (a play without the baby) is available to stream free on demand, now through October 31.
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