Wrestling play set to tackle themes of mental wellbeing
A play which tackles mental health will kick off a North East tour in Sunderland.
Being an Ultimate Warrior, by Made4Stage Theatre Productions, tells the story of Karl, a life-long wrestling fan who looks back through his life growing up watching the in-ring battles all while dealing with real-life battles.
Being an Ultimate Warrior previewed at The Customs House in South Shields last October where it received good feedback from the audience.
Now, after a small reworking and rewrite, it will be staged at Collective Space, the home of Theatre Space North East in Sunniside, on Saturday, September 30, in the first of a series of North East performances.
Based on writer Wayne Miller’s life growing up, the production sheds light on many real life struggles like alcoholism , bullying and depression.
Ahead of the public performance, he is hosting an invite-only performance for mental health organisation professionals and those who suffer/have suffered from depression.
The writer, who has also penned The Big Time, The Big Hit and The Big Goodbye, said: “I have struggled with depression in my life, only a few people I have let close have known that.
“It was something I always wanted to keep a secret, in fear of people thinking the worst of me, or just thinking I needed to ‘cheer up’ as there was nothing wrong with me.
“So writing this piece was my way of talking about it in an indirect way. It really helped me.”
Wayne added: “After we previewed the show last year many people praised it being a piece of theatre highlighting such themes and doing it in an entertaining way.
“I have seen people using poetry and art as a way to express their battles with mental health and I think we should see a lot more of it.
“Being an Ultimate Warrior not only highlights real-life battles but favourite in-the-ring battles. Growing up as a wrestling fan, that larger than life world is the perfect place to lose yourself.”
Being an Ultimate Warrior is at Collective Space, in Nile Street, on September 30.
Tickets are £8-£9 from www.ticketsource.co.uk/event/FDDLHD