Who Am I, Again?

A verbal collage of stories about Traumatic Brain Injury.

Who Am I, Again? Trailer

Clips from Performance at Garden Theater Beijing and Testimonials from Audience

“I was transfixed…it was like a kaleidoscope because he brought in so many characters…”

SUMMARY

Storyteller Lethan Candlish masterfully presents his experience of recovery after severe Traumatic Brain Injury in an intimate, engaging performance. The story of Lethan’s injury and early recovery provide a frame for the piece that is expanded by drawing from stories of fellow survivors, family members, and friends to create eight interwoven storylines emphasizing a common journey of recovery – we all live the same story, just the details are different. The show begins with the question, “Who am I after a life changing trauma?” – using wit and wisdom, dramatic tension mixed with lighthearted moments of reality, Lethan presents his entertaining path to the answer.

“So many things he wrote about actually came out of our own mouths during recovery.”

  • Regina Richardson

Select Speaking Events

  • International Storytelling Center, Jonesborough, TN, USA (2009)

  • Brain Injury Association of Wisconsin, annual conference - keynote, Madison, WI, USA (2011)

  • Initiating Project for www.TBIvoices.com, Sheboygan, WI, USA (2012)

  • Journey Conference, Brain Injury Services - keynote, Based in VA, USA (2020)

  • Beijing United Family Hospital, Beijing, China (2024)

Select Publications

“Great insight into the troubles and expectations when a loved one has brain injury…If you or your loved ones are struggling, this will help.”

  • Thomas Embrey

“Immediately found its way onto my recommended book list for my pediatrics and families…”

  • Dr. Jonathon Freezer

NOTES ABOUT PERFORMANCE:

Performance Length - approximately 50 minutes

Intermission - 10 to 20 minutes

If time allows, after the performance Lethan likes to lead a talkback/sharing time for no additional cost. This is a time when audience members are invited to share personal stories of trauma – stories that have been resolved or are still being processed. Lethan advocates for traumatic stories to be told – not as a resolution but as a way to share in a space with no judgement, and by sharing release some of the burden that builds around a trauma. Lethan hopes the honesty in his story helps the audience feel comfortable letting go of events that have become emotionally trapped, as having an opportunity to share can open dialogues between people with similar trauma, leading to interpersonal discovery.

Talk Back Length - no more than an hour

Total Time - if talk back included, approximately 2 hours

Set and Tech Requirements:

Note that all measurements are approximate - Lethan will work to adapt to resources available.

One small side table - half meter circumference, 1.2 meter height

One glass to hold water

One stool

One chair with back - 1 meter to 1.5 meters tall

One stage box to sit on, can substitute chair no arms

Stage minimum 6 meters x 4 meters. Smaller stages can be used as long as the stage furniture can be arranged to allow for easy movement.

Stage Lights - a general wash for the stage. Simple cues can be arranged immediately prior to performance (lights up at the beginning, lights down at the end).

Introduction by one of the people hosting the event - welcoming the audience, information about Lethan’s book, request cell phones off, etc… Specifics can be arranged immediately prior to the event.

Dressing Room - an area away from the audience where Lethan can prepare for the performance.

Questions - email Lethan: lethancandlish@gmail.com