On Friday, March 15, at 7:30pm, join the Department of Performing and Media Arts for I Came Back for Molly, a solo performance written and performed by Molly Carden, directed by Abigail Zealey Bess, and choreographed by David Maurice Sharp. The event will take place in the Flex Theatre, Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts.

I Came Back for Molly is an autobiographical story told through dance and movement, shifting between Molly’s present and past. The play follows the chronology of Molly’s senior year in high school, two suicide attempts, three psychiatric institutions, and her time working as a barista at Starbucks before going to college. The play lives in the space between Then and Now and deals in themes of suicidality, quarantine, and what it means to move forward. "I hope that bringing this play to PMA will shed a light on mental health awareness and its importance on the Cornell campus," says PMA Assistant Professor Jason Simms.

“I Came Back for Molly is an attempt at accepting the darkest parts of myself in the hopes that I can help others do the same,” says Molly. “Also, it's funny! I dance in it. I want everyone who hears this story to feel less alone.”

Content warning: This show contains talk of depression, anxiety, suicidality, and psychiatric hospitalization. If this subject matter feels too pain-inducing to you for any reason, please take care of yourself in whatever way makes sense.

Writing workshops to follow, March 16-17, 11am – 3pm. Limited slots, apply to PMA@cornell.edu by February 22.

Download application form here: https://cornell.app.box.com/s/njywgn09o5sn4hbxvt0vg13b4ug0lrne

MOLLY CARDEN is a New York City-based actress, playwright, and teaching artist. As an actor, she has spent the last decade performing off-Broadway and in regional theaters around the country. Molly has been developing her solo show, I Came Back for Molly, for the last 2 years, with her director Abigail Zealey Bess. The piece was first presented at New York Stage and Film in the summer of 2022. Molly then received a developmental grant from V-Day through her former collaborator V (formerly known as Eve Ensler). She has continued development over the last year, presenting I Came Back for Molly at the TANK and United Solo Festival in NYC and Durango Playfest in Colorado. 

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Read more about Abigail Zealey Bess

Read more about David Maurice Sharp

The Heermans-McCalmon guest artist fund was established at the bequest of Forbes Heermans (Class of 1878) and in memory of the late George McCalmon, Professor of Speech and Drama.