MAD(E)

An epic story of life, death, and everything in between. 

Mandala Theatre tells a tale of three boys existing within hostile environments, in this hard-hitting production.

Explore the lads' individual journeys as they attempt to heal their broken minds with the help of a mythical shapeshifter, through physical theatre, comic chorus and poetry, in a passionate, exhilarating and uniquely theatrical commentary on masculinity and young men’s mental health. 

Carrying their worlds in an urn, a bivvy bag, and soil from the Motherland, Mandala Theatre Company depicts three stories from different cultures, played by Max McMillan Ngwenya, Nelvin Kiratu and Lex Stephenson, all living lives dodging a system that engulfs and traumatises them. When they are confronted with Beira – a mythical female shapeshifter portrayed by Clarisse Zamba– the play delves into the intricacies of their mental trauma and ways of dealing with wounds that make post-trauma growth possible.

We are all made – not mad.

Written by Sean Burn (Next Swan Down the River Might be Black, UK tour; collector of tears, Aurora Metro) and directed by Yasmin Sidhwa (Though this be Madness, UK tour; Castaways, UK tour) this production has been co-created with boys and young men nationally through investigative workshops, delicately drawing from their lived experiences of mental distress. MAD(E) explores wounded communities where there is the need for reconciliation and restorative justice, examining themes of apology and restoration.

Running time: 70 minutes, followed by a 30 minute Q & A

The 30 min Q&A session after the performance will address any issues the audience may face or want to discuss