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ED2022 Preview Edition ED2022 Theatre ED2022 Three To See
Three Shows With A Mental Health Focus
By Caro Moses | Published on Wednesday 3 August 2022
Three shows with a mental health focus at Edinburgh Festival 2022…
OCD Me | Hill Street Theatre | 5-28 Aug
We’re always glad to see shows looking at mental health issues here at the Fringe, because although those shows can sometimes be a bit emotionally taxing (though they are often also funny and/or uplifting), it’s great that they raise awareness of such difficulties, and perhaps help others going through those specific problems. The first show we’re going to recommend in this section is ‘OCD Me’, a one-woman comedy about living with OCD – written and directed by Aisling Smith – because it looks like it will address the slightly vexing stereotypes we see on TV and in media about how OCD plays out, and that can only be a good thing. Click here for info and tickets.
Headcase | Pleasance Courtyard | 3-28 Aug (pictured)
“Actor and writer Kristin Mcilquham can’t seem to finish a list. Get an agent. Tick. Get a therapist. Tick. Get a boyfriend… Call her dad. As Kristin approaches 40 she is forced to confront, kicking and screaming, some of the unfinished business in her life and work out why she just can’t seem to tie up any of her loose ends”. Ooof, this feels too familiar to be honest. But it’s an acclaimed play that looks at family, relationships and getting older, and explores themes of anger, resentment, joy and hopefulness – so we’re really going to run the gamut of emotions when we head over to Pleasance Courtyard to see this. Click here for info and tickets.
The Book Of Life | Church Hill Theatre | 13-16 Aug
This one is less of a look at individual mental health and more a look at the grieving process and recovery of a nation. During the Rwandan genocide in 1994, one million people were killed in just 100 days. In this International Festival show, Rwandan artist and activist Katese looks back 28 years to ask how it is possible to rebuild a deep understanding of life in the aftermath of a loss so great. It’s a show that dwells on life, not loss, and explores resilience, reconciliation and healing, and features Ingoma Nshya, the internationally acclaimed Women Drummers of Rwanda. Click here for info and tickets.
