EDINBURGH 2019: Review: LOVE (WATCHING MADNESS), Pleasance Courtyard

Love (Watching Madness) is a show about the complexity of caring for somebody with mental illness.

Isabelle Kabban is an engaging performer (and the writer of the show) who makes it easy to get absorbed in the story. The narrative flips between conversations with the daughter's therapist and conversations with her mother. As it is a one-woman show, it can take a second to figure out who is speaking during some parts of the performance.

Love (Watching Madness) takes a look at the role reversal between parent and child. While the mother tried to hide her illness when the children were younger, she allows herself to rely on her daughter once she gets older. The play also uses light and music effectively to convey the frustration and confusion during manic episodes.

While bipolar disorder is never named during the show, a handout is given explaining that the piece is inspired by the writer's experiences with her own mother who was diagnosed with bipolar. Director Ruth Anna Phillips also comes onstage at the end to address the audience and mention resources that are available for anybody affected by the subject matter- a responsibility that I'd like to see more shows take on.

There is nothing exploitative or sensational about this play which is its strength. It feels like a realistic portrayal of loving somebody who is mentally unwell.

https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/love-watching-madness

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