Amy Stumpfl

Nashville Tennessean

Good theater has the power to engage, entertain and to affect real social change. And since 1985, En Garde Arts has been producing innovative multimedia works that inspire “dialogue and debate about the salient issues of our time.”

This weekend, OZ Arts Nashville welcomes En Garde’s “Wilderness,” a powerful documentary theater piece that explores “the extraordinary pressures and complexities” facing American youth and their families.

Developed over two years through firsthand interviews and extensive research, “Wilderness” follows six adolescents – all part of a wilderness therapy program, and all grappling with issues of mental health, addiction, and gender and sexual identity. The actors onstage represent real experiences, and their stories are bolstered by documentary footage of real parents. Sweeping landscapes blend with evocative storytelling and an original folk rock score, taking audiences on a heartfelt and, ultimately, hopeful journey.

“Wilderness” was co-written by En Garde Arts Founder/Artistic Director Anne Hamburger and Seth Bockley, who directed the production.

“I’m such a huge fan of Annie Hamburger’s work,” says OZ Arts Artistic Director Lauren Snelling. “She was truly one of the pioneers of site-specific works in New York back in the ’80s and continues to bring us the stories that need to be told. She pushes audiences to think – not only about important issues, but also about what theater can be.”

But in the case of “Wilderness,” Hamburger also had a personal stake in the storytelling, having sent her own adolescent son to a wilderness therapy program in 2014.

“It was one of the most profound moments of my life – looking in the mirror and realizing that my child needed more help than I could provide,” she says. “No parent wants to find themselves in that situation. It’s terrifying. But as an artist, it also made me curious about what’s going on with our youth. What’s happening to our families?”

Still, Hamburger is quick to point out that “Wilderness” is not meant to serve as a proponent for any particular type of therapy.

“Wilderness therapy is not the focus – it’s merely the backdrop. ‘Wilderness’ is really about connection, letting families know they’re not alone. It’s about sparking conversation, and taking an honest look at the mental health issues facing families in 21st Century America.”

But Snelling says it’s also a powerful piece of art.

“‘Wilderness’ is beautifully written – the dialogue feels absolutely authentic. And the theatrical elements take us right into the heart of the story, with gorgeous scenic views interwoven with intimate Skype interviews with real parents. The music is so pure and honest, and the storytelling is stunning. It’s just an incredible piece of theatre, and one that I hope will help facilitate important conversations in our community.”

If you go

What: OZ Arts Nashville presents En Garde Arts’ “Wilderness”

When: October 20 and 21. Performances at 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday. (The performance is 90 minutes with no intermission; the Oct. 21 performance will be ASL Sign-Interpreted; a post-show Q&A is planned for both performances.)

Where: OZ Arts Nashville, 6172 Cockrill Bend Circle, Nashville

Tickets: Tickets $55

Contact: ozartsnashville.org

• Appropriate for children 14+