Langley, B.C. – Who is the man in the mirror?
Therapist-turned-playwright Kevin Kokoska portrays two very different-looking men on an awkward, affective and humorous journey, attempting to understand the familiar-looking face in front of them. A fictionalized account of his own experiences, Kokoska asks audiences to take a critical look at themselves in his wildly successful play, The Mirror Test on Nov. 4, 2016 at 7 p.m.
“My play is about the lengths we often go to cover up who we really are,” said Kokoska, who pursued a master’s of education in counselling psychology after graduating with a degree in psychology from Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU).
“There is a lot of role-playing involved in learning to be a therapist. While I’ve always had a love of writing and storytelling, it was my graduate studies in counselling that sparked my interest in performance.”
The “unexpected thrill” of role-playing fictional clients in class inspired Kokoska to reflect on his own knowledge and experiences, which include a practicum at an American weight-loss camp, to create something that inspires others to do the same and look inward.
Playing a fit Canadian counsellor-in-training who attempts to form a relationship with a young American suffering from a binge-eating disorder, Kokoska hopes his performance will leave audiences better able to catch glimpses of themselves in others.
The Mirror Test is the pinnacle event of KPU’s Thrive Week, a series of events focused on building positive health and well-being for students, faculty and staff. The performance takes place Nov. 4, 2016 at 7 p.m. at KPU’s Langley campus, located at 20901 Langley Bypass. Tickets are available at kpu.ca/events/mirror-test or 604-599-2900. Proceeds from all ticket sales support mental health initiatives for KPU students.