←Recommendations of Postpartum

Scary, thrilling, and displays an interesting narrative on postpartum depression

A simple premise executed perfectly that makes for an entertaining story and a great allegory.

We produced an audio play version of this script on the Gather by the Ghost Light podcast in our Season 5 Line-up (https://www.gatherbytheghostlight.com/s5e2). Jillian Blevins has craftily sharpened the edges of this story with a perfect balance of psychological and supernatural horror. As the audience (and reader), this play opens a window into the psyche of the Mother and keeps us guessing if these eerie noises from the baby monitor are real or tricks of the mind. Masterfully written!

When does concerned behavior turn into pertinacious behavior, obstinate behavior, self-destructive behavior? When do weary thoughts turn into wary thoughts, suspicious thoughts, distrustful thoughts, paranoid thoughts? Jillian Blevins' stark psychological horror, 'Postpartum', sees a woman at the edge where her expenditure meets oblation, where her natural insecurities mutate into total peril. Turning the "ownership" of motherhood on its head, terror as the creation claims the creator as "mine."

The fourth trimester - what is supposed to be the happiest time of people's lives. But for some, this great change is a time of anxiety, depression, and horror. This short play packs a punch in exploring the paranoia of failure, the pressure of expectation, and spousal separation that can come along with a new life. Horrific in all the right ways.

I had the pleasure of directing this 10 minute short for a college directing class, and audiences loved it. POSTPARTUM presents fun technical challenges for those interested in sound design and voice over work. This is a short yet impactful piece that succeeds at its genre without skimping on character development, stakes, or emotional authenticity. Do not underestimate it, there is plenty to chew on. Two strong actors and a wild imagination are all you need to get this chilling story off the page and on the stage.

Wow! Jillian Blevins takes the reality of postpartum depression and ratchets up the tension to where we don’t know what is a physical/emotional response on the part of the mother or if there a supernatural element. Absolutely frightening! And then I listened to the audio version on Gather By The Ghostlght. Whoa! This play should be on everyone’s Halloween schedule.

As if being a new mother, wasn’t terrifying enough, Jillian Blevins turns up the horror with this masterful short play that skillfully walks the line between supernatural and psychological. The Gather by the Ghost Light production serves this up brown if you want hear it performed as a radio play. Great stuff!

A phenomenal example of the horror genre! This play uses the typical structure of a horror story to illuminate the terrifying emotions, and perhaps real life experience, of birthing parents that experience postpartum depression/anxiety/psychosis. A deeply effective piece that I don't think I'll ever forget.

An authentically chilling tale, eye-opening and plausible. Performed with care and creepiness on the “Gather by the Ghost Light” podcast!