World premiere of ‘Exposed’ to bring powerful conversations about mental health to St. Louis stage

The world premiere aims to spark honest conversations about mental health, grief and healing through live theater.

ST. LOUIS — A new stage production coming to St. Louis next month hopes to spark conversations long after the curtain falls.

“Exposed,” a new play centered on mental health, vulnerability and personal struggles, will make its world premiere Aug. 22 at The Grandel Theater. Organizers say the production is designed to encourage audiences to confront difficult topics that are often left unspoken.

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“It’s a raw, edgy production focused on emotion, vulnerability and mental health,” actress Shelly Miller said. “The center focus of this is mental health.”

The production explores themes including grief, identity, trauma and healing through live theater, something cast members believe creates a unique connection with audiences.

“Live theater has a way of connecting with the audience emotionally,” actor Lacey Turner said. “Mental health and things that we go through all the time—we’re afraid to talk about them. I think live theater is perfect for that.”

Miller said the theater provides a judgment-free space where audience members can see parts of themselves reflected on stage.

“You can sit there in the audience and say, ‘Oh my God, that’s me,’ but no one around you really knows that,” Miller said. “Theater allows us to discuss those things as a collective.”

Without revealing too much about the storyline, Turner said audiences should prepare for an emotional experience.

“You can expect to be moved. You can expect to cry,” he said. “There are going to be some uncomfortable conversations—not only things we went through as characters, but things people in the audience have probably experienced as well.”

Miller portrays the mother of one of the play’s central characters, describing the production as deeply introspective and layered.

“It’s one of those shows that you really have to stay focused,” she said. “All of us are dealing with things that we didn’t address.”

Beyond entertainment, the cast hopes “Exposed” inspires meaningful conversations about mental health, particularly in communities where seeking help can still carry a stigma.

“I hope people go home and have these uncomfortable conversations,” Turner said. “Hopefully this play makes them feel more comfortable talking about mental health, identity and personal struggles.”

The production is also encouraging schools, churches, counselors, grief support groups and community organizations to attend together.

Miller said those group experiences can help people continue important discussions after the performance ends.

“In our African American community, mental health, going to counseling and talking about these things are kind of taboo,” Miller said. “When you come with people you know, you can continue those conversations after the show.”

The cast hopes audiences leave with more than just memories of a performance.

“We need to talk about this as a community,” Miller said. “That’s what this play is really about.”

How to attend

“Exposed” premieres Aug. 22 at The Grandel Theater in St. Louis.

Tickets are available through JPEK.org and MetroTix. Early-bird pricing is available through Aug. 1.