A severe chronic fatigue flare is the unfortunate cause of my recent silence across the Theatrabilia platforms.
It is a part of my life I’m gradually becoming more vocal about to both assist my journey and to shine a light on this devastating illness.
To talk about my personal life in a theatre blog is not to deviate from the main subject but to highlight themes of kindness, health and well-being as a core element of my work as a playwright, stage manager and theatre historian.
Drama has from its infancy explored deep issues which comment on our society and the world around us. The shows we see on stage may be fictional, but the stories are often rooted in a harsh reality. Even flashy Broadway musicals mask an innate truth; the best shows only shine when they strike a chord with the audience and actor alike.
As I progress in my career, I find the monologues and plays to really resonate with others are the ones that feel most truthful. Hiding behind false statements has rarely inspired exciting drama. Creatively facing demons head-on can be extremely rewarding and cathartic.
Stories which help us view hidden worlds and explore new angles are deeply important, not least over the past few years with the rise of essential conversations such as #BlackLivesMatter.
We need these stories reflected on our stages now more than ever.
The underdogs, the forgotten, the unrepresented: it’s time to shout their stories from the rooftops.
To illuminate and showcase these people and stories is one of the key driving forces behind my work in all its forms. Through my Theatrabilia platform, I aim to celebrate the lives of people who matter and those in need of a stage.
My website started as a way to showcase my collection and studies. Over the last two years, it’s become a platform for my theatrical musings, writing work and research of both theatre and the wider world. Now, as we re-emerge from the pandemic, I yearn to extend the possibilities of Theatrabilia by focussing more deeply on the relationship between theatre, the people who make it, and the people we put in the spotlight (both literally and metaphorically!)
I am blessed to know some really beautiful souls, some from my personal life, i.e. family members, as well as creatives in our industry. It’s time to finally celebrate them all: through writing, research, teaching and learning.
As I move forward, I plan to collate all of these strands into one streamlined platform on the Theatrabilia site. Everyone is welcome and I can’t wait to meet old and new faces.
Chronic fatigue/M.E. might have ripped me away from stage management, but when you can’t get to the theatre – bring the theatre to you! As I recover in the ‘wings’ of life, I surround myself with books, memorabilia and stories. And through stories, we can travel anywhere in the universe.
Wishing you all a lovely and peaceful time as we move out of this dark period and into a fresh new chapter.
Stay safe, be kind and remember: all the world’s a stage!
What is M.E./Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?
M.E. stands for myalgic encephalomyelitis. It is also regularly referred to as chronic fatigue syndrome, although the most appropriate naming of the disease is often debated. It is a neurological condition with wide-ranging symptoms, the most common being persistent, extreme tiredness.
The ME Association website states that ‘the underlying cause of M.E. is subject to much uncertainty and medical debate’.
Symptoms vary case by case, but the overarching challenges are regular flu-like symptoms, muscle and joint pain, difficulties sleeping and headaches. The severity of symptoms can fluctuate daily, with over-excursion causing distressing flare-ups.
Why am I harping on about it on a theatre blog?
Theatre can inspire great change and challenge audience’s perceptions. M.E. is an infamously misunderstood illness and due to the condition, many who suffer are unable to actively campaign and raise awareness of the issues it presents.
Fluctuation of symptoms results in very few ‘good’ days – even these are brimming with challenges. Maintenance of the condition is essential to ensure symptoms do not worsen.
On my rare ‘good’ days, I devote myself to my passion for playwriting and theatre. I aim to shine a light on M.E. and those who suffer by placing them centre stage in my plays, monologues and blogs.
In extension to this, I wish to celebrate and magnify the lives of everyone in need of a platform. There are so many gentle voices out there with amazing, important stories to tell. Let’s start hearing about them!
Further information about M.E. can be sourced at these websites:
https://meassociation.org.uk/about-what-is-mecfs/ https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-fatigue-syndrome-cfs/
The M.E. Association
The M.E. Association have kindly offered to share the content of this newsletter with their members. I’m excited to connect with their team and hope to continue the conversation with them during future writing projects.
My thanks to Emma who sent further details about the opportunity to discuss my work.
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