Driver’s Seat is written and performed by Ellie Brelis. Directed by Emily Mikolitch.
Ellie Brelis introduces us to a condition called Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), something she had to live with since early childhood. This situation led her to find ways to navigate life and relationships. If the transition to adulthood is difficult to most people, adding OCD to the equation makes it even more complicated.
The play is a journey through some of the toughest episodes in Ellie’s life. She needed constant validation in order to endure the darkest moments she experienced. But some of that validation just didn’t happen. Finding refuge in a relationship seems like a natural thing to do. In her case, however, the breakup of that relationship caused more damage than anything else. If on top of that your grandfather dies of Covid amid a world pandemic, you get the picture.
Those devastating events triggered a really bad case of OCD that brought up thoughts of suicide. When she reached out for help, she was taken to a psychiatric hospital. In the middle of that environment, she found a true friendship that understood her situation and helped her survive her ordeal.
After her hospital stay, Ellie was treated with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy in order to overcome her fears.
One of Ellie’s greatest fears is to drive, so she kept putting off her driver’s license exam. For a person with OCD, driving can become a real nightmare, the constant fear of killing someone is a frightening idea that they can’t get out of their minds.
In addition to the already delicate position of someone with OCD, coming out as queer in a still conservative society can add to the anxiety to a young and vulnerable person.
Driver’s Seat is a play where despite the topics depicted, the protagonist still finds room for humor. And in humor, as is often the case, we can find validation to endure and survive, and in the case of Ellie, to thrive and shine.
Ellie Brelis is an example of strength and courage that is touching and contagious. Her personal story of tribulations and survival needs to be told. It’s a story that will hopefully reach the audience who, just like her, might also need hope and validation.
Director Emily Mikolitch is a young director who put together an interesting solo show that has emotion and humor to keep the audience engaged. The script and performance make great use of the multicolor light, the crisp white wardrobe, projections, sound, and music, making this play a cathartic experience that allows the energy to flow back and forth between a brave thespian and an involved audience.
Driver’s Seat
Written and performed by Ellie Brelis. Directed by Emily Mikolitch. Produced by Misha Riley. Creative team: Gavan Wyrick (Lighting Design), Gabriella Gilman (Costume Design), Charlie Glaudini (Sound Design), Nick Wass (Projection Design), Michelle Hanzelova (Graphic Design), Roella Dellosa (Stage Manager).
Theatre 68 Arts Complex, Emerson Theatre
5112 Lankershim Blvd., North Hollywood, CA
Opening at 8pm on Saturday, October 22
Schedule: 8pm Fridays and Saturdays, 3pm Sundays
Closing: Sunday, November 13, 2022
Tickets: www.Onstage411.com/DriversSeat
