As part of this year’s upcoming Dunedin Fringe Festival, artist and performer Chelsea McRae is putting her real life trauma out on stage in a musical cabaret inspired by true events.
The show follows a woman walking into a therapist’s office, and after failing to confront anything, culminates in an acceptance of her father’s suicide.
"Which sounds really heavy, but we’ve made it fun," Mrs McRae said.
Mrs McRae said she had begun researching the practice of consent in rehearsal spaces for her postgraduate studies.
She wanted to discover how to share intimate details with an audience in a safe way.
"So many of the things that I think about and experience are real, but also kind of hilarious and also kind of a part of experiencing trauma.
"If I can learn how to navigate that safely on stage, then that’s part of my research done."
Mrs McRae, who has battled with endometriosis and complex regional pain syndrome, said sharing this on stage was immensely cathartic.
Having gone to therapy herself, she said it was very important to practise vulnerability and implored others to do the same.
"I’m such a big believer in therapy.
"I don’t think that it’s a weakness to see a therapist, I think it’s really good.
"Humans are social creatures, we are supposed to open up to each other, but we’re afraid to."
The show would touch on intrusive thoughts, sexual assault, suicide and physical illness, but in a light-hearted and respectful manner that focused on people’s responses the topics.
It was about "retelling, not reliving" trauma, and sharing it in a way that would not endanger herself or the audience.
Mrs McRae said you never knew what could affect someone, and invited the audience to pop out of the room at any stage if the show became too much.
She hoped opening up about her battles would give the audience a taste of the wonders of therapy.
"A director told me once that there’s three acts to a show.
"You’ve got the first act, second act and the third act happens in the drive home from the theatre.
"I hope that in that drive home ... people feel stuff.
"If anyone has feelings then that’s great because that’s what therapy is supposed to help with."
Therapy: A Comedy Cabaret debuts at the New Athenaeum Theatre on March 21.
Need help?
Healthline: 0800-611-116
Lifeline: 0800-543-354 or text 4357
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508-828-865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Samaritans: 0800-726-666
Alcohol Drug Helpline: 0800-787-797
Depression Helpline: 0800-111-757
