Lauded drama explores issue of bipolar disorder

Date Published: 14-Mar-2013

A highly imaginative, surreal and disturbing story of a woman battling bipolar disorder will be staged at the Town Hall Theatre next week. The show, from UK based Theatre Témoin, uses life-size puppetry combined with object manipulation, physical theatre and original music.

Created in collaboration with actor and pupeteer Robin Guiver of the acclaimed West End play War Horse, and informed by medical experts, The Fantasist emerges as part of a wave of puppetry that is growing since the success of War Horse and similar highly visual puppetry shows.

Arriving in Ireland on the back of sell-out runs in London and Edinburgh, the unique and hypnotic visual style of this production explores a deeply personal story of mental illness to powerful theatrical effect.

The members of Theatre Témoin developed The Fantasist between 2011 and 2012, drawing on personal experience and helped by medical research from the North East London NHS Foundation Trust.

The lead performer Julia Yevnine has been a carer for her mother throughout her adult life, and has direct experience with the extremes of severe bipolar disorder. The personal story behind this play has helped it become a vehicle for approaching the taboo subject of mental illness in a way that is non-didactic, funny and theatrically exciting.

Developed at London’s Blue Elephant Theatre the play went on to have a five-star sell-out run during the Edinburgh Fringe as it brought to life how, in the mind of the fantasist, the real and the fanciful become dangerously blurred.

It was praised by Metro for its “ingenious stagecraft” and described by the Guardian as “an Edinburgh highlight”.

The Fantasist’s success has launched Theatre Témoin and its unique theatrical style on a tour to venues throughout the UK, France and Ireland, including the Town Hall Theatre on Wednesday next, March 20.

Booking for the play is now open at tht.ie, at the Town Hall box office, by phone at 091 569777.