A Journey You Will Never Forget!

A Journey You Will Never Forget!

Manic to Madness 3-12 October Rangi Ruru Theatre

http://www.casnova.co.nz/

Nero:“Possibly the best piece of literature since Shakespeare said to his scribe ‘So tell me more about this mad Danish Prince’ “ (from the play)

An original New Zealand Play dealing with mental illness is the next project for successful; Christchurch-based theatre and film company CAS’n’OVA Productions.

Craig Hutchison the Executive Director of CAS’n’OVA Productions notes that according to Ministry of Health published surveys around 1 in 5 New Zealanders within the past year have some experience of a mental disorder. “The subject is not often acknowledged and understood, yet nearly half of us (47%)  will experience a mental illness and/or an addiction at some time in our lives, and this is a way to openly talk about the issues.” 

Craig says CAS’n’OVA Productions jumped at the chance to stage a new New Zealand play ‘Manic to Madness’ by Karl Hitchcock and Nic Farra.  “We’ve seen plays about mental health before but not one by people who have personally experienced a persistent and serious condition; usually they are written by professionals, family members or playwrights.  Manic to Madness is real and truthful and pays respect to those who have Bipolar and the medical professionals that treat them. We’re pleased to be able to stage this during Mental Health Awareness Week,” says Craig Hutchison.

Karl was first diagnosed in 1999 and the play deals with his experiences with the condition and the treatment. Karl is open about his life and the episodes the play covers; “this is my story, although some of the details have been rearranged, for example, yes I did escape from hospital and take a Porsche 911 for a test drive.  I’m hoping everyone comes away with an understanding of Bipolar and what it’s like.  I wrote it as a comedy, with a serious side, as that’s my experience.  Even having conversations with one of the Knights Templar is amusing in a way, but odd when you look at it from the outside.”

Karl decided to write the play as it’s an interesting thing to do and one day he decided he would. He involved professional actor Nic when it turned out that 28% in School Cert English, dyslexia and not having done any theatre was a barrier to writing a good play.

Nic, who attended Toi Whakaari, the NZ Drama School, is playing the lead role, Nero, in the play.

ENDS

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