When the musical play The Edge was first staged in Malaysia The New Straits Times declared it “a powerful play with characters that speak directly to audiences.” Now the play is being staged in Perth for the first time.

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Jarod, Lilly, Deanna, Michael, Ryan and April are six people who know Josh, an aspiring artist and a troubled young man. When Josh declares that he wishes to end his life, these six are forced to re-examine their relationships: with him, with one another, and with themselves.

The play’s writer Nick Choo has shared his excitement that his work is being staged in Perth for the first time.

“It is my hope that The Edge’s upcoming season at The Blue Room Theatre will serve as yet another vehicle through which conversation on mental health issues can happen in Perth; and that other people who undergo self-doubt, self-esteem issues and self-loathing – all trademarks of depression – will see themselves reflected in the characters, to give them some small comfort in the knowledge that they are not alone in their struggles.” Choo said of the upcoming production.

Director and Producer Levon J Poninelli spoke to OUTinPerth about what attracted him to the work, and what challenges the team have faced in adapting the show for Australian audiences.

This play was first performed in Malaysia, how did you come across it and what made you want to see it staged here in Perth?

I met Nick Choo briefly during 2017 Fringe, and so we made the friendship truly real by adding each other on Facebook.

Nick posted some thoughts about re-staging the show, and while at the time I wasn’t looking at taking on a new project, something about it really stood out to me so I reached out to him. Over a long and rambling four hour lunch, we really clicked and the desire to bring The Edge to Perth was born.

My instinct was that it needed to be a Blue Room show, as opposed to any other theatre in Perth. The venue has a wonderful intimacy, which I felt would really lend itself to this show.

The topic of suicide is a one we often shy away from, how does tackling this issue in a theatre setting help discussions about mental health and self harm?

It’s definitely a tricky topic to deal with, and throughout the production of the show we’ve wrestled with just how to make audiences aware that it’s a theme, but also not frighten them away from the show.

Obviously there’s an element of responsibility around that awareness, we definitely want people to be informed so they can look after themselves, but it is a double edged sword – we want people to talk about it, but also need to be mindful of how we talk about it.

I think a show like The Edge can do a lot of good in this regard; because the message is so positive, and presented in such an engaging manner with truly wonderful songs, it never feels heavy or in your face. And with the unique concept of the suicidal character not actually appearing in the show, it focuses attention to the characters around him so it (hopefully!) becomes more relatable and accessible to a wider audience, rather than ever feeling confrontational.

In bring the play to Australia, have you had to make any changes for it connect with local audiences?

Surprisingly nothing major! I remember initially thinking there could be a lot of cultural references that would need translating, but it was a very smooth transition.

I think the only reference that needed clarification was that in Malaysia it is customary to refer to older women as ‘aunty’, and I had a confused moment of wondering if everyone was related. There was also a line about bribing the police that is relatively commonplace there, so we decided to play it more as a joke for Perth audiences. It was actually quite fun and enlightening to learn about Malaysia and the many similarities and total differences we have as cultures.

On a personal level, what attracted you to this project?

The same Fringe I met Nick at, myself and a few others helped avert a suicide attempt. It was a real surprise as to how much that affected me, and there were a lot of thoughts and feelings that I was processing in the weeks after.

So when Nick posted about re-staging The Edge, it really came along at the right time. I tend to shy away from ‘heavy’ works or topics, and in a way this show is no different – despite the themes – because what really struck me about it was that it doesn’t dwell on suicide, but more on the people around it, and the very human replaying of events in your mind, and wishing you did something different, or searching for meaning with new context.

But also it’s a show that is ultimately about hope, and looking after yourself and not being afraid to reach out for help when you need it; which is a lesson I learned the hard way earlier this year when I had a nervous breakdown during Fringe. I think this show and it’s messages will resonate with people, and if it helps someone that will be the true mark of success.

The Edge is at the The Blue Room Theatre from 29th May – 16th June, tickets are available now. 

Graeme Watson

Do you need some support?

If you are struggling with anxiety or depression, support and counselling are available from:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyondblue: and www.beyondblue.org.au

QLife: and www.qlife.org.au
QLife are a counselling and referral service for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Intersex (LGBTI) people.