Capacity Theatre Company presents Woe is Him, Woe is Me, a one-woman play exploring the patient/therapist relationship, at the 2024 Halifax Fringe Festival.
Though the show deals with a serious subject, much of it is comedic, and we encourage people to come in ready to laugh and feel. – Gabrielle Therrien
In this Q&A, we learn more from the playwright and performer Gabrielle Therrien.
Woe is Him, Woe is Me plays as part of the 2024 Halifax Fringe Festival at Neptune Theatre’s Windsor Studio (1593 Argyle St, Halifax) on August 30 and September 1, 5, 7 & 8. Visit halifaxfringefestival.ca for tickets and information.
This interview has been edited.
Q. Tell us about Woe is Him, Woe is Me. What can audiences expect?
It is a strangely comedic tale as old as time with a twist. Heartbreak, loss, and loneliness are present as the main character, Janelle, attends therapy sessions throughout the show. We get a look into Janelle’s mind as she navigates the loss of a relationship in her own way. Audiences can expect depictions of what a mental health crisis can look like, but not the pretty version we often see on TV.
I encourage audience members to read the content warnings on our ticket page before attending. We will depict real panic, and I’d like everyone to be prepared for that rather than surprised by it.
Q. What was the inspiration for Woe is Him, Woe is Me?
The inspiration for the show stems from my own life in some ways. Though the roots of our issues differ vastly, Janelle’s mental health struggles mirror many of my own as an individual living with C-PTSD and generalized anxiety. She suffers from panic and anxiety as well as intense mood swings, things I struggle with, and I knew I could write.
Janelle copes in many ways, some of which are often left unsaid by many anxious people, and some of her coping mechanisms are things many of us wouldn’t do. The inspiration for this, in particular, is the feeling you get when you are anxious and alone it breeds a desperation only those who have felt it can know.
But this is my reality and the reality of many people. We often worry in secret because we fear the world’s judgmental eye, and I, for one, am sick of hiding.
Q. Why this particular show now?
This show is unique in a few ways, but I think what makes it relevant is evident in the rise of people being more willing to discuss mental health. Like many people, I think the discussion is increasingly important as we discover record-high levels of anxiety and depression in people.
However, I believe that though those conversations are being had, we often skip over some of the ugly parts. We skip over the desperate feeling many anxious people have, the need for comfort where there is none. This play shows you the raw struggle, the parts of crisis that aren’t pretty and are often embarrassing for folks to discuss. This show will speak to some people who have been through similar struggles and may show those who haven’t a new side to the discussion.
Q. What do you hope audiences leave talking about after seeing Woe is Him, Woe is Me?
I hope audience members leave with a new curiosity for the subject, as well as some inspiration to talk about their own mental health issues.
I definitely hope they also leave entertained. Though the show deals with a serious subject, much of it is comedic, and we encourage people to come in ready to laugh and feel.
Q. Why should someone come to see Woe is Him, Woe is Me?
Though the show can be intense, it is just as entertaining and engaging. It will tug at your heartstrings, and I think we can all relate to some moments. We’ve aimed to create a safe space for people to feel and laugh if they need it.
Our director, Alina Kogas, has been instrumental in developing this show and its entertainment factor. The show has a hook that will surprise and draw you in, and I give full credit to Alina and our stage manager, Jay Carmichael, for looking at my script and seeing things I had not.
We are so excited for audiences to come and experience this show.
Woe is Him, Woe is Me plays as part of the 2024 Halifax Fringe Festival at Neptune Theatre’s Windsor Studio (1593 Argyle St, Halifax) on August 30 and September 1, 5, 7 & 8. Visit halifaxfringefestival.ca for tickets and information.