Mad(e) & Cutter

During Valentines Day and the first day of winter, three lads and an ancient and mischievous shapeshifter collide repeatedly. Mad(e) is a passionate commentary on masculinity and young mens mental health, co-created with boys and young men nationally, and is about healing, informed by the playwrights own lived-experiences.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Aurora Metro Publications

Between Valentine's Day and the first day of winter, three lads and an ancient and mischievous shapeshifter collide repeatedly. One lad carries an urn, literally unable to let go of their best friend's ashes; the second is homeless because he came out as bi; the third has no recourse to public funds. As they dodge a system that engulfs and traumatises, can the mythical and ancient beira help them still the glitch in their broken minds?

An epic story of life, death, and everything in between, mad(e) is a passionate, exhilarating, and uniquely theatrical commentary on masculinity and young men's mental health, co-created with boys and young men nationally. Ultimately, it is about healing, informed by the playwright's own lived experiences.

Valentine's Day and the first day of winter mark the beginning of an extraordinary journey for three lads and an ancient and mischievous shapeshifter. One lad carries an urn, holding onto the ashes of their beloved best friend with an unbreakable grip, unable to let go despite the passing of time. The second lad finds himself homeless, a victim of society's rejection due to his sexual orientation, forced to navigate the harsh streets without a shelter to call his own. The third lad faces a daunting challenge, trapped in a system that denies him access to public funds, leaving him vulnerable and struggling to survive.

As they navigate through a world that seems determined to engulf and traumatise them, the mythical and ancient beira emerges as a beacon of hope. With her wisdom and guidance, they embark on a quest to still the glitch in their broken minds, seeking solace and healing in the face of adversity.

mad(e) is an epic story that spans the realms of life, death, and everything in between. It is a passionate, exhilarating, and uniquely theatrical commentary on masculinity and young men's mental health. Co-created with boys and young men from across the nation, this play offers a profound exploration of the human experience, shedding light on the struggles and triumphs of its characters.

At its core, mad(e) is about healing. The playwright, drawing upon their own lived experiences, has crafted a narrative that speaks directly to the hearts and minds of its audience. The play explores the complexities of masculinity, challenging traditional notions and promoting a more inclusive and understanding perspective. It also delves into the mental health challenges faced by young men, offering a poignant and relatable portrayal of the struggles they face.

Through its powerful performances and thought-provoking dialogue, mad(e) encourages its audience to reflect on the importance of empathy, compassion, and support. It reminds us that we are all connected, that our stories matter, and that we have the power to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

In conclusion, mad(e) is an extraordinary play that transcends the boundaries of theatre. It is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of art. By co-creating with boys and young men, the playwright has created a narrative that resonates with the experiences of its audience, offering hope, healing, and a call to action. As we navigate the complexities of life, let us remember the lessons learned from mad(e) and strive to create a world that is more inclusive, understanding, and compassionate.

ISBN-13: 9781912430932