Fringe review: Ruby Wax – I’m Not As Well As I Thought I Was
In this one-woman show Ruby Wax waxes comical about her journey from mental unwellness to recovery, and a new awareness of who she is. ★★★★
Through a play format, American comedian and TV personality Ruby Wax re-enacts various experiences she underwent to, literally, recover her sanity. Wax describes how she was treated in a psychiatric clinic, went on a 30-day silent retreat, swam with humpback whales, and spent time soul-searching at a Christian monastery. Wax has set herself an impressive emotionally and physically demanding task that she carries off well.
Along the way, Wax tells her story of growing up in the US with distant parents, particularly her father. She reveals that in this environment, she learnt what would become a lifelong need to be funny, for, as she said, “If I’m not funny, I’m invisible.” And as one of her therapists told her, the humour and bravery that she learnt are perfectly valid survival strategies.
Wax employs humour to describe traumatic childhood experiences, which at first she didn’t even realise were dramatic enough to be considered traumatic. One feels that such an approach is part of the reason she fought her own demons and emerged victorious.
As part of the storytelling, Wax imitates people and even animals. For me, this is when she’s at her funniest, and her portrayals of wild turkeys and German healers who sing with humpback whales play to her strengths as a performer.
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An unexpectedly revelatory moment came during a mid-show medical emergency, in which a man was exhibited signs of a serious health issue. To her great credit, Wax asked him if he was okay, and then she stopped the show, speaking tenderly to the man and urging the staff to send a paramedic. This was when the real Wax emerged.
Wax’s personal journey revealed many insights; she finally reached the understanding that in all her quests, she wasn’t looking for meaning. She was just looking for home, which is the place she loves most. She also comes to understand that her traumatic childhood is in the past, and she doesn’t need to control her present. These are profound insights. And recognising that it is okay to not be okay and to call trauma what it is are great messages for everyone.
Ruby Wax performed at The Box at the Garden of Unearthly Delights from March 22 – 23
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