Human Troubles at New Marigny Theatre

Dora’s life isn’t going well. It’s going so poorly, in fact, she finds herself in an Orleans Parish psychiatric ward. And – just when she thinks she’s hit rock bottom – she realizes rock bottom is only halfway down.

Streetcar Collective for the Arts is thrilled to announce its upcoming production of Human Troubles, an uncomfortably hilarious dark comedy that dives into the complexities and absurdities of the mental healthcare system in the United States. Join us for an unforgettable theatrical experience at the New Marigny Theater on December 28th and 29th, 2024, and January 2nd through 5th, 2025.

Human Troubles explores the chaotic world of inpatient psychiatric wards through sharp wit and humor. Set against a backdrop of a Kafkaesque bureaucracy apathetic to the patients’ needs, the play follows a group of misfit characters navigating the bewildering—and often comical—challenges posed by a system that is supposedly meant to help them.

“Human Troubles could be described as ‘if One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest passed the Bechdel Test’” quipped Miles Hendler, who performs the role of the Doctor-Nurse-Secretary. Other cast members include Liz Johnston-Dupre as Dora, Claude Whitscell as Christian, Brooke Volkert as Jack, and Samantha Hubbs as Sarah.

“I’m ridiculously excited for opening night,” said playwright and director Mariana Santiago. “This is one of the most dynamic casts I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with – and the New Marigny Theater is a perfect venue for this show.”

“This is quite possibly the funniest show I’ve ever worked on,” commented Brooke Volkert. “It’s dark, sure, but it’s absolutely hilarious – and the fact that it’s based on situations that real people go through gives the play that much extra punch.”

“Human Troubles” invites audiences to reflect on the realities of mental healthcare in the United States (and particularly Louisiana) while delivering laugh-out-loud moments that are both poignant and thought-provoking. With a talented cast and production team, this play promises to shed light on the importance of the self-preservation instinct in the face of systemic failures.

Tickets are available at humantroubles.com.