New Approach to Art and Advocacy "Harpoons" Addiction

ROCKLAND, Maine, Nov. 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Drawing parallels to the insidious nature of addiction and the resourcefulness needed to "harpoon" a nationwide epidemic, Chasing the New White Whale, a production of The Forty Hour Club, is a groundbreaking art-and-advocacy project that explores America's opioid crisis through the unique lens of New England's commercial fishing industry. The keystone of the project is a self-titled play set to open on the New York stage on Nov. 24.

Created by Massachusetts native Michael Gorman, Chasing the New White Whale—the play and the ongoing national project—addresses the problem of opioid addiction in fishing and working communities. In addition to the play, Gorman has developed an evolving series of environmental installations, readings, presentations and performances dedicated to unravelling the complex issue of addiction.

This innovative and deeply personal approach to tackling addiction was inspired by Gorman's brother—a commercial fisherman in Boston and New Bedford, Mass.—who died of a heroin overdose.

"My singular goal for Chasing the New White Whale is to create better understanding of the opioid epidemic and the disease of addiction by engaging audiences in a creative dialogue that propels constructive change," said Gorman.

Presenting his work in non-traditional venues—such as on working waterfronts—is intended to bring performances to locations where they can more easily connect with the individuals and communities most affected by addiction.

"I admire Mike Gorman's brave and bold approach to addressing a serious issue that remains invisible to most people," said Robbie Roberge, a Boston-based commercial fishing captain and recovering addict. "I am both honored and obliged to be part of this project and the national conversation on addiction in the commercial fishing industry." [video]

The play, Chasing the New White Whale, draws inspiration from Herman Melville's Moby Dick and from the personal experiences of Mike Gorman. "The play shines a light on those who are often invisible in our society," Gorman said. "Such as the addict, our abandoned and alienated working communities, and other marginalized people." This new work will premiere at The Ellen Stewart Theatre at La MaMa in New York, on Nov. 24 through Dec. 9. www.lamama.org/new_white_whale/

Chasing the New White Whale is a production of The Forty Hour Club (www.FortyHourClub.com), founded by playwright Michael Gorman.

SOURCE The Forty Hour Club