REVIEW: Liz, A Traumatic Comedy

Age Suitability: Mature (ages 18+)

Genre: Theatre—Comedy

Run Time: 60 mins

Venue: The Staircase - Elaine May

In a highly anticipated follow-up to Liz Buchanan's 2023 critically-acclaimed show Gnomes: A Traumatic Comedy, Liz chronicles her mental health journey from manic to depressed pixie dream girl and the work it takes to become a well-adjusted adult.

Expertly written by Buchanan and directed by David Faulkner-Rundle, whose ability to nurture energetic and emotional performances from his actors never fails to impress, Liz, A Traumatic Comedy is equal parts relatable and deeply cathartic. The writing is intelligent, honest and soul-bearing with Buchanan delivering monologues about “always being a bit too much” and finding well-timed, clever asides to the audience. There is great humour throughout, intertwined with serious topics surrounding her passions and her personal experiences. Buchanan’s monologues are backed with carefully selected images of her childhood, her work at women’s shelters, and, perhaps most impactful, harrowing statistics about violence toward women in North America. These images help navigate Buchanan’s stories and never distract from her presence on stage which is always refreshing to see in modern theatre.

There’s too much to this personal piece that deserves to be seen, heard and felt. This “traumatic comedy,” is full of vulnerability, self-deprecating humour and most importantly, hope. It is an inspirational piece of solo storytelling and has a very profound conclusion: we cannot be defeated by our darkest moments. Liz, A Traumatic Comedy is a healing journey and one that audiences will not soon forget. Don’t miss it.