PATIENT 13 to Make European Debut at Edinburgh Fringe with Gail Thomas
Director Dan Oliverio helms the darkly comedic solo show, set in New York City.
PATIENT 13, the autobiographical solo show written and performed by Gail Thomas, will make its European debut at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
Set in New York City and based on Thomas's own experiences, the play follows a woman whose life is upended by an unexpected cancer diagnosis. As she confronts questions about her health, relationships, and identity, she becomes part of a clinical study examining the use of psychedelic-assisted therapy as a treatment for mental health challenges.
Combining comedy and personal storytelling, PATIENT 13 explores themes of medical trauma, isolation, connection, and self-discovery. The production traces Thomas's experiences navigating treatment, dating, and shifting personal relationships while searching for a renewed sense of purpose.
“My goal with Patient 13 is to entertain, inspire, and empower others to appreciate the nuance, hilarity and absurdity of life,” said Thomas. “Experiencing universal human emotions together in the theatre can be transformative. Originally shared in bits on New York City storytelling stages, the show has grown thanks to the support of my director Dan Oliverio and enthusiastic audiences.”
She continued, “I think of my audience as close friends. Patient 13 is my gift to people who grapple with tough decisions, complicated relationships, and self-love. I hope that it helps people see that they are not alone. We're all in this together, like it or not.”
Director Dan Oliverio noted the production's broader relevance to ongoing conversations about healthcare and mental health treatment.
“Although the play is an intimate story, it reflects our greater cultural concern with how we care for one another and how institutionalized fear and loneliness keep us apart,” Oliverio said. “All over the world, people are re-examining their assumptions about medical care and treatment and reevaluating the stigmas around certain drugs and diseases.”
Originally developed through performances on New York storytelling stages, the production has expanded into a full-length theatrical work exploring resilience, vulnerability, and the search for connection during periods of uncertainty.
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