In one of the most influential stand-up shows of the era, Hannah Gadsby’s Nanette, the performer explored some of the most harrowing experiences of her life. That show illuminated both the limitations and possibilities of using comedy to convey the impact of trauma and inspired many comedians to create works in this challenging yet potentially rewarding field.
After a well-received run at Melbourne Fringe, Anna Piper Scott is bringing her Such an Inspiration to Perth, Adelaide and a return season at Melbourne this year. In part, the show relays her harrowing experiences of being abused and gaslit by a former partner, and her time in a mental health facility. She says it’s crucial that comics wanting to explore such fraught territory give themselves time to properly process their experiences before making them part of the art.
