Make Yourself at Home (Fall 2024)

Written by/starring Alexa Belli

Directed by Melissa Lewyn

Featuring Alessandra Casanova, Sam Nackman, & Helora Danna

SM/Sound Design by Bea Tria

Intimacy Direction by Becca Carter Freeman

Dramaturgy by Paia Amelio

Assistant Direction by Michèle Carter Cram

Poster by Sloane Sexton

Produced by Next Stop Creatives

Make Yourself At Home follows Michael, a man struggling with agoraphobia at the height of his anxiety. After losing his girlfriend, Michael attempts to heal in the confines of his home. His need for connection becomes so dire that he starts to imagine his household objects as people from his past, including his girlfriend, Natalie. As the lines of imagination and reality begin to blur, Make Yourself at Home asks audience members to investigate how trauma and mental illness intersect, how we can treat the connections in our lives as a gift, and how to move forward when that is taken away from us. Beyond the question of will he make it outside this play asks can he find safety in himself. This is a heavy story with a lot of heart and hope at the end of the day.

This production will challenge how, especially in early adulthood, distracting stimuli actually curtails connection rather than championing it. However, Michael’s journey shows us that when he finally accepts that he deserves love as he is, true healing and growth begins.

@makeyourselfathomenyc