Play tells of man’s battle with Tourette syndrome

Staff report

COLUMBIANA

“Me & Myself,” an original play that recreates a Columbiana man’s struggle with Tourette syndrome, will be performed this weekend at Main Street Theater, 5 N. Main St.

It was written by Jim Couchenour, who also stars in it, and uses a mix of acting, video and live music.

Curtain times are 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For ticket information, call 330-482-9647 or go to www.crowntheaterproductions.org.

“Me & Myself,” which premiered at Main Street in 2010, portrays Tourette syndrome – a disorder that manifests itself in vocal grunts, body tics, and in some extreme cases, blurting out inappropriate words – as a haunting entity that causes unexplained tension.

Couchenour uses actual life events as the basis for the entire show. He wasn’t diagnosed with the disorder until well into his adult life.

The production builds to the poignant moment when he finally discovers what is wrong with him and reconciles his struggle with the disorder.

“I spent years trying to figure out what this was and why I did these things,” said Couchenour. “There just wasn’t that much information when I was growing up with it.”

Couchenour describes his life with Tourette syndrome as a journey of “denial, discovery, surrender and freedom.”