Joshua Rivedal performs his autobiographical one-man show, "The Gospel According to Josh," in Mystic this weekend as the launch for Emerson Theatre Collaborative's "I Am Worthy" Suicide Prevention Project.

Rivedal plays 30 characters and performs 12 songs in this piece about "a small town boy who follows his dreams to Hollywood despite the tempestuous relationship with his pious father" - a father who ultimately kills himself.

"The Gospel According to Josh" will be accompanied by suicide prevention advocacy, education and discussion.

In addition to the performance of "The Gospel According to Josh," the ETC presentation also boasts singers and poets, among them Kate Rushin, Krystal Livingston, Sean Mulroy, Ashley Adelman, and Camilla Ross.

Following Sunday's performance will be a public QPR (Question Persuade and Refer) Training Session, a technique that helps with suicide prevention.

- KRISTINA DORSEY

"The Gospel According to Josh," 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday, Union Baptist Church, 119 High Street, Mystic; presented by Emerson Theater Collaborative; $10 ($8 seniors and students); (860) 705-9711, emersontheatercollaborative.org.