‘Missing Peace’ explores many issues

by the disease and incorporate quotes and audio clips from interviews into the show’s soundscape.

“I think I was looking for some sort of resolution, just coming to terms with it all,” he says. “I’m starting to realize that I have no more control now than I did when I started. But I’m now more in tune with how I feel and how other people have been affected. I think talking about it and sharing our experiences is really important and also really healthy.”

The final section is Ms. Simmons’ “STOP.” She worked with the Pittsburgh chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to find the right tone. She also spoke with people who had known someone who committed suicide or have battled suicidal thoughts themselves.

“Their main emphasis was that suicide should always be portrayed as nothing but a tragedy,” with a focus on the help that’s available, Ms. Simmons says.

At the performances, the Alzheimer’s Association and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will have representatives present to speak with audience members about resources.

After its debut run is over, the creators of “The Missing Peace” hope the show can find more performance outlets.

“I would like to tour universities. I would like to tour professionally,” Ms. Simmons says. “Really the sky is the limit. I feel passionately that the more people who see this work, the more impact it can have.”