Hiccups by Ben Rosenblatt

In this solo play, one actor plays five roles. Hiccups is a part documentary/part autobiographical nosedive into life with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which was culled from hours of interviews, memory, real life experiences and imagination. Irreverent, funny and poignant, the play deeply enters the lives of four sufferers, confronting myths and misconceptions of OCD, while bringing the audience face-to-face...
In this solo play, one actor plays five roles. Hiccups is a part documentary/part autobiographical nosedive into life with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, which was culled from hours of interviews, memory, real life experiences and imagination. Irreverent, funny and poignant, the play deeply enters the lives of four sufferers, confronting myths and misconceptions of OCD, while bringing the audience face-to-face with their own deepest fears and obsessive tendencies, in unique, interactive ways.

"I hope that I will eventually be able to experience a full production of HICCUPS, with audio and visual effects and a theater full of resonant viewers — viewers who will assure you (of this, if nothing else) that OCD is the psychological epidemic of our age. HICCUPS contains the best of what theater can offer — a story of Everyman/woman, told in the voices of very specific men and women." -Barbara Hort (Licensed Psychologist and Theatre Professional)


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Hiccups

Recommended by

  • Rachel Feeny-Williams:
    23 Feb. 2022
    “ When I started reading this piece I didn't know a great deal about OCD but Ben guides his audience through this world expertly and he does it in what can be the difficult format of a one man show. Its wonderfully written and educates the audience on the world of mental healthcare. It informs, it entertains and it inspires emotions. Each of these on their own make great theatre but for Ben to create a piece that does all three, is just brilliant. If given the right performers, it would be marvellous to watch! ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    19 Aug. 2020
    “ A powerhouse of a play that truly takes us into the disease of OCD from a culture that promotes self doubt, perfectionism and anxiety. A great play to shed light on an epidemic that needs our understanding and help to heal. Well done. ”
  • Nick Malakhow:
    15 Jul. 2020
    “ Beautifully written and structured solo show that makes excellent use of the form. Rosenblatt's piece feels both deeply personal, intimate, and specific, while also being extremely relatable and universal in how it zooms out to articulate others' experiences. OCD is explored here in such a way that makes it accessible to folks unfamiliar with the disorder while simultaneously providing nuanced and essential representation that is reaffirming for those who are living with it, as well as for anyone who has been stigmatized for their mental health issues. Hilarious, fast-paced, poignant, and engaging! ”
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Character Information

One actor plays all roles

  • Ben
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Any age
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Dr. Carter
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Jess
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female
  • Ramon
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • Matt
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop
    ,
    American Records
    ,
    2015
  • Reading
    ,
    American Records
    ,
    2013