Finding community and wellness with theatre and medicine

At first glance, theatre and medicine may seem worlds apart. But not for Dr. Lisa Habermehl and a few like-minded colleagues in Kenora who came together to create a new theatre company—So I Guess We’re Doing This?   

The theatre company aims to foster creativity by blending the worlds of performing arts and medicine. While they may serve different functions, both medicine and theatre rely on collaboration, empathy and human connection, while coming together to achieve a common goal.  

Dr. Habermehl, Assistant Professor at NOSM University, has practised family medicine for more than two decades and contributes to medical policy. She says theatre allows physicians to express themselves and take on new roles. “Having an outlet for creativity and art can be helpful for physicians who often work in high stakes environments. While medicine is often about urgent decisions and high stakes, theatre is really building something, growing a foundation, and creating together with a community,” she says.  

The first original production by the company, “Finding Richard Close,” explores complicated family relationships and the tensions between loved ones. The play tells the story of two estranged siblings who are brought together to manage the final affairs of their dying mother. They find a document written by their mother with clues about their family. The document sends the siblings on a journey to find Richard Close and the secrets he might be holding.  

“Finding Richard Close” is the first play written by Dr. Habermehl.  

The cast includes Dr. Jonny Grek (an Assistant Professor at NOSM University), Derek Favreau, and Dylan Shumka-White, fellow Kenora actors and community members. The theatre company will be performing at The Winnipeg Fringe Festival, which runs from July 16 – 27. There will also be performances in Kenora from August 21-23. 

Dr. Habermehl encourages other physicians to tap into their artistic and creative sides. Founding So I Guess We’re Doing This? has given her a new outlook on life. “It has been the most invigorating and lovely thing I have done in my adult life.” 

She notes that participating in arts can support physicians’ wellness and reduce burnout. “Particularly in Northern Ontario where many deeply creative people work in our medical community.”