MANIAC (on the Dance Floor)

Te Pou Theatre – Rangatahi Season presents
MANIAC (on the Dance Floor)
Written by Natasha Lay

Let’s Not Just Talk About Mental Health – Let’s Make a Song And Dance About It

Is she crazy? Yes! Dumb? No! In her upcoming Auckland Fringe show, MANIAC (On the Dance Floor), emerging young writer Natasha Lay explores themes of mental health and its associated stigma through comedy and lip-sync/dance numbers set to a soundtrack worthy of an indie coming-of-age flick.

Anna's been a bit weird lately. Actually, she's been a lot weird. She's suddenly gate-crashing parties, making ridiculous impulse purchases, locking herself in rooms to write the next great Kiwi album - all in less than a week. She feels like she's on top of the world, but those around her are starting to get a bit concerned. All she's doing is finally living life to the fullest - right?

An excerpt of MANIAC (On the Dance Floor) was performed in October 2017 at Proudly Asian Theatre (PAT)’s monthly script reading event to positive feedback. “The tongue in cheek presentation, utilising theatre and music to its full extent, brings a layer to the discussion which is suddenly accessible, playful and exciting,” writes Chye-Ling Huang, director, writer and co-founder of Proudly Asian Theatre.

Although Natasha comes from a background of doing backstage work, she is also a long-time member of the Michael King Writer’s Centre National Young Writers Programme, and she is excited to bridge the gap and write for theatre. Her work in the HP 48Hr Film Festival has made it to the Grand National Finals and nominated for Best Script in the City Finals.

With MANIAC (On the Dance Floor), Natasha aims to not only raise awareness, but frame the conversation surrounding mental health in a lighter, more accessible, and most importantly entertaining way.

Presented as part of Auckland Fringe festival from 20th February - 4th March 2018.
For the full programme visit www.aucklandfringe.co.nz
MANIAC (On the Dance Floor) plays
Dates: 22 – 24 February 2018 Venue: Te Pou Theatre Tickets: $15 - $18 Bookings: www.aucklandfringe.co.nz

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