COMEDY
BY W I L L K E N N E D Y
SUICIDAL
TENDENCIES
Comedian addresses dark subject
matter in one-man show
C
ollin Williams doesn’t want to be known as the
suicide comic.
“Suicide doesn’t define you,” Williams says.
“It’s something I needed to talk about. If I become
the suicide comic, that’s what I’m defined by.”
That’s where he sees the contradiction.
For now, Williams is touring behind his critically
acclaimed half-stand-up/half-one-man show My Suicide
Note. In it Williams weaves his own suicide note into
storytelling and comedy that’s cathartic and very, very dark.
In September, Williams gave a TEDx talk in his
hometown of Salt Lake City on the value of processing
trauma through humor. Williams himself has attempted
suicide and been in mental health treatment for years. “I’m
on my 28th or 29th medication,” he says.
For Williams, stand-up has helped. “Different people
express their emotional trauma in different ways,” he says.
“Humor isn’t the fix for everyone. You don’t need it to
replace your medication. Humor is the first way you can
feel comfortable talking about issues.”
Collins continues: “People don’t talk about emotions or
feelings very much,” particularly in Utah.
My Suicide Note is deeply personal, and not for
everyone. Williams wants to be clear about that from the
start. He respects comedians like Christopher Titus and
Mike Birbiglia — stand-ups known for “wonderful, honest
storytelling,” he says. “Comedy that means something.”
His show features an overarching narrative, Williams
continues, adding that, “I don’t have sets. I don’t have props.”
Mostly, he hopes his show helps those struggling with
personal trauma, depression and suicidal ideation feel less
alone.
“I’m not a mental health expert,” he says. “I’m a
comedian who deals with mental health.”
It’s important not to judge those who open up about
issues with suicide, Williams explains.
“Making sure they understand we all have bad days,”
he goes on. “I’m trying to reclaim it. I’ve been there where
you’re at right now. I’m still here. I’m on the other side
of it.”
Audience members open up to him after the performance,
he says. “Because I’d shared my own experience they felt
OK to talk about it.” ■
Collin Williams presents My Suicide Note along with Eugene comedian
Cienna Jade 9 pm Monday, Nov. 26, at Old Nick’s; $10, $8 students,
21-plus.
2018/19 SEASON Francesco Lecce-Chong, Music Director & Conductor
3
UNFORGETTABLE
NIGHTS
ONLY
$75!
GIVE
MUSIC
COMPOSE YOUR OWN 3-CONCERT PACKS
NOW THROUGH MONDAY
Treat yourself, a friend, family member, or loved ones to
three unforgettable evenings with Music Director & Conductor
Francesco Lecce-Chong and your Eugene Symphony!
GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY!
TO PURCHASE ONLINE
Buy online or at our Hult Center Ticket Office
Select seats and limited quantity available
Offer expires on Monday, Nov. 26 at 11:59pm
Not valid combined with other discounts
Not valid on past purchases
1. Go to Eugenesymphony.org
2. Select your three concerts
3. Enter coupon code: CYBERSYM
4. Select your seating preference
5. Enter payment information
HULT CENTER
TICKET OFFICE
7th Ave & Willamette St. | 541-682-5000
Friday 12-5pm | Saturday 11-3pm | Monday 12-5pm
eugeneweekly.com • November 21, 2018
21