Behind the Scenes: Melina Cohen-Bramwell’s PLEASE DON’T SLOW ME DOWN
The second annual PlayGround Free-Play Festival, a fringe-style free-admission three-week showcase of new works by Bay Area artists, opens this week with a workshop presentation of Melina Cohen-Bramwell’s PLEASE DON’T SLOW ME DOWN. We recently spoke with Melina to get a behind-the-scenes look at his upcoming show.
About the Play
PLEASE DON’T SLOW ME DOWN follows a bipolar millennial, and the physical embodiment of his cyclical moods, during one last, manic hurrah at the site of the former Chaverim Jewish Day School.
About the Playwright
MELINA COHEN-BRAMWELL, he/him, is a writer and lifelong San Francisco Bay Area resident who also happens to be a mixed-race, gender-queer, spoonie. Never a fan of the education system, at age sixteen, Melina dropped out of school and began a career in theater. After years of working as a technician at regional theater companies such as Aurora, Cal Shakes, and Berkeley Rep, Melina “retired” to focus on healing from chronic illness and pursuing writing as a career. His book Bar Fights with Sad Kids will be available for preorder from Finishing Line May-July 2024.
What should audiences expect from Please Don’t Slow Me Down?
MELINA: Get ready to party.
Why this play and why now?
MCB: I think more people than ever struggle with mental illness, and with finding their place in society and in the world. I hope this play explores that in a way that, while making you laugh (and dance in your seat), also feels like accurate and loving representation to all my fellow psych-patients who are out here living the millennial dream.
Who is your favorite playwright and why?
MCB: Martin McDonagh, because I saw BRTs production of The Pillowman at age 11 and it scarred me for life in the best way.
What is a hidden talent or something that audiences might be surprised to learn about you?
MCB: I can sleep 12 hours a day.
For more information on the PlayGround Free-Play Festival or to reserve your free tickets (donations gratefully accepted and directly support the artists), click here.