Not sure what kind of ‘committed’ we’re in for, I’m intrigued to find this work has its origin in writer/performer Clarissa Chandrahasen’s time in a psych ward.  

Chandrahasen is already on stage at the Scruffy Bunny, her back to us, and we’re hearing portentously insistent music. 

For the first thirty seconds she faces us in complete silence. Then “I’m electric,” she declares. It turns out she’s referring to the euphoria she feels, defined as a manic state by the medical profession. It’s the reason she fetches up in the psych ward in Lower Hutt.

Being bipolar opens doors at WINZ she assures us. Indeed, her detached wryness, as well as signalling a robust sense of humour, is evident in her relating of other experiences: being in police custody, spending a whole night spent sleeping in a men’s public toilet, for example.

Staging presents some difficulties for those watching. Much of the performer’s monologue is delivered sitting, and given the flat seating at the Scruffy Bunny that means she’s often below the eyeline of the audience.

The only other quibble I have is with audibility. There are two reasons – one technical. Chandrahasen takes a microphone a couple of times, but it’s not turned on. Not that she needs it. But what she does need is a slower pace of delivery, and greater projection. Some of her lines are lost because relayed too fast, and indistinctly. 

This is a show that informs rather than touches us. We hear about being psychiatrically assessed, forcibly injected with medication, being rejected by her father, a stint as stripper at the Mermaid. It’s all information, though of a highly personal nature, that’s related with a certain detachment, gained I should think from the fact that the experiences occurred seven years ago. 

Her story ends with a nod to Rosie, a former mental health sufferer. Both given unaccompanied leave, the pair run into some guys who offer them a joint. Rosie cops it – literally – and ends up in clink. 

The programme note records the performer’s gratitude to those others who are part of her story, and who helped put it on stage. She is also glad we all came to see it.

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