The Wonderful World of Dissocia

Media Release – August 2008

The Wonderful World of Dissocia – by Anthony Neilson

Nine CPIT NASDA performing arts students and three Jazz School students will combine their talents this month for the New Zealand premiere of The Wonderful World of Dissocia.

Dissocia, written by Anthony Neilson and directed by Tony McCaffrey, attempts to tell a story about the pressures young people face in modern society, in particular, their attitudes towards mental disorders and their treatments.

Through a stunning interplay of popular music and theatre, Dissocia evocatively explores the myriad of human emotions expressed by today’s youth suffering or, subjected to, mental illness. In particular, some of the music that will be used in the performance is by talented artist Renee Louise Carafice, who is currently touring New Zealand promoting her new album, ‘Tells You To Fight.’ Carafice, who has herself experienced severe depression, will perform after the final play performance on Thursday, September 18.

As part of the rehearsal process and because of the delicate nature of the production’s subject matter, students liaised with members of the Psychiatric Consumers Trust to gain a better understanding of the pertinent issues facing mental health and youth awareness in today’s society.

“This is a unique opportunity to explore, using the techniques of popular music and theatre, the issues that are both difficult to talk about and stigmatized in our community. It is also an opportunity to utilise the skills of both NASDA and Jazz School students to explore the possibilities of what a different kind of music theatre might be,” says Tony.

Dissocia is an inspiring, entertaining performance that will challenge and awaken thought in audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

• The Wonderful World of Dissocia opens on Saturday, September 13 and runs until Thursday, September 18. For booking enquiries see www…or call …

ENDS

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