Narcan Time Machine
Narcan Time Machine uses dark comedy, storytelling and a live Narcan demonstration to spark meaningful conversations around addiction, recovery and harm reduction.
John Michael is a Chicago‑based trauma clown and creator of 13 audience‑participation plays.
After losing three friends to overdose, John Michael developed harm‑reduction theatre that has taught audiences how to administer the life-saving medication as part of the performance.
Narcan Time Machine teaches audiences how to save a life using NARCAN — the medication credited with helping shift overdose deaths from 110,000 in 2022 to roughly 70,000 (200 a day) in 2025. The show has already helped distribute 4,420 doses nationwide.
This performance is generously Presented by Treatment Alternatives for Stronger Communities (TASC), a non-profit organization based in Chicago that connects individuals facing substance use, mental health, or criminal legal system involvement to community-based treatment and support services.
You can find free Narcan at your local Chicago public library.
