Free Comedy Event to Focus on Depression, Suicide
Free Comedy Event Slated
to Take a Look at Depression
Brad Bonar, Jr., will lead the comedy team, One Degree of Separation, when they take the stage at the Milbank High School theatre on Monday, March 9, at 6:30 p.m. The event, which is free to the public, is sponsored by Avera.
One Degree of Separation presents a funny look at depression and suicide through the lens of humor. “Our mission is to bring dialogue, awareness and acceptance to depression through laughter and vulnerability. We will kill the stigma of depression by creating an army of comedians to share stories of hope, happiness and triumph,” Bonar said.
Avera is sponsoring the presentation in Milbank because of the organization’s concern for the overall health of the community, according to Natalie Gauer, administrator of the Milbank Area Hospital.
“Our medical staff focuses on the whole person including mind, body and spirit in their care delivery model so we felt this venue supported that. Laughter is good for our overall health. Humor can lighten our burdens and inspire hope. We felt laughter mixed with a subject that needs further awareness is a combination that would provide our community great benefit,” Gauer said.
According to the comedy team’s website, “Depression has one degree of separation. If you don’t suffer, then someone you know does.”
Bonar has performed comedy and magic professionally around the world for over 20 years. Performing with him in Milbank will be Ellis Rodriguez, Sydney Stygerts and Heather Mabbott. Rodriguez is a fast rising comedian who appears and headlines regularly at major comedy clubs around California. Stygerts’ comedy ranges from self-deprecation to sarcastic views on current problems and makes them all relatable to a wide range of audiences. Mabbott has been a professional comedian for more than 17 years and reports that her quick wit, unique style and clean comedy has dazzled audiences all over the country.
“Our vision is to cover the world and perform our show for all those who suffer with depression and to all those who love those who suffer with depression,” Bonar said.
