Addiction is something that many of us have experienced – either our own, or that of a loved one. It can be soul destroying, but for those who confront their addiction and inner demons, the road to recovery can be one of personal growth and enlightenment.
In the following audio interview with Andrew Whiteside, one woman, Elizabeth Cracroft shares her journey to wellness. It was a journey that inspired her to write a play called REHAB which opens in Auckland on 2nd July 2021.
Press play to listen to the interview:
REHAB
2nd, 3rd, 9th, 10th July 2021
Covert Theatre – 51 Mackelvie Street, Ponsonby, Auckland
Set in a residential rehab and based on lived experience, REHAB is an unscripted theatre show featuring an eclectic mix of alcoholics and drug addicts all searching for recovery. As part of the Auckland Fringe Festival, REHAB runs from 2nd July 2021 at the Covert Theatre, Ponsonby. Based on first-time producer Elizabeth Cracroft’s lived experience, the dark comedy represents addicts and alcoholics from various backgrounds, including an alcoholic lobbyist, an ex-athlete turned meth addict, and a disturbed entrepreneur. The REHAB cast consists of nine creatives from improv, acting, and comedy backgrounds.
Directed by Improv Bandit and actor, Paul Paice, REHAB’S show creation has incorporated a unique hybrid of devised characters and improvised scenes, as well as guidance and inspiration from recovering alcoholics & drug addicts, and drug and alcohol clinicians. Paice says, “the creation of the show has been an enlightening process – it has been a privilege to draw on the rich experiences that recovery members have kindly shared with us. This has enabled us to devise our characters and create a show with real heart and integrity, while also highlighting a seriously damaging issue in our community.” REHAB will affect its audience members in many ways, Cracroft says “the show is a dark comedy and the humour comes through the brutal honesty of the characters. A lot of our stories in rehab are tragic and uncomfortable, so we are often relating to each other through laughter as it provides some relief” Cracroft says.
