Black comedy explores motherhood and mental health

 

Waipu’s Black Sheep Farm is hosting Mockingbird, a clever, funny, black comedy about motherhood and mental health.

Written by Lisa Brickell and directed by Ruth Dudding from New Zealand and Giovanni Fusetti from Italy, Mockingbird has entertained New Zealand, Australian and Norwegian audiences since 2014.

Based on true stories, Lisa Brickell and Siri Embla weave a tale spanning four generations, multiple characters, and various dubious and devilish alter egos. Their tongue-in-cheek rendering of deeply flawed situations is dark but horrendously funny.

Brickell moves seamlessly between characters as she plays Tina, a counsellor who is afraid of commitment and having children due to the ever-present reminders of her family history of post-natal depression. 

She also masterfully shifts roles, portraying the three preceding generations of women who have struggled with mental health; Alice, Mabel and Beth. Drawing on her LeCoq training, she also performs a character in half mask, which represents the menacing ‘inner critic’ of all four women.
The show’s dynamic tension is created by the onstage accompaniment of actor and talented musician, Siri Embla, from Norway. Embla bounces off Brickell, performing complementary characters and commenting on the progress of the narrative.

A hopeful and entertaining show, Mockingbird will resonate in your thoughts long after you leave the theatre.

Critics say ‘Mockingbird is a clever, sensitive exploration of mental health. Funny and moving, it sheds light on an issue that affects many people but remains taboo even in our modern society’.

Tickets are limited so early booking is essential. No door sales.

 WHAT: Mockingbird. WHEN: Saturday October 27, 5pm. WHERE: Country Homestead at Black Sheep Farm, 1034 Cove Rd, Waipu Cove. TICKETS: $45. Play and light refreshments afterwards. BOOKING: Phone (09) 432 0435 or book online at blacksheepfarm.co.nz

Mockingbird writer Lisa Brickell.