I HATE THIS: A Play Without the Baby

Playhouse Square and University Hospitals team up to present the film premiere of David Hansen’s award-winning play I Hate This (a play without the baby) , starring Cleveland actor James Rankin and directed by Chennelle Bryant-Harris. This autobiographical solo performance takes you from the moment his son was born and through the year that follows… but not in that order. An honest, horrible, and even humorous trip through one father’s experience with stillbirth.

David and his wife Toni learn at her 30-week check-up that their unborn child has died. Jumping back and forth between two timelines, I Hate This tells the story of the 36 hours between learning this truth and the birth of their first child, as well as the year that follows – detailing the frustration, recrimination, guilt, sorrow and ultimate acceptance of their son’s death. One actor plays over a dozen characters, including friends and family members who cannot express their feelings and medical practitioners (both compassionate and otherwise). He learns to cope with his anger and helplessness in the midst of grief, as well as fashioning a new way of looking at life.

There will be a live post-show chat with the creative team following the screening.

This screening is presented by University Hospitals.