Brain Freeze

Boyfriend

Burton-Taylor Studio

Directed by Debora Krut

Brain Freeze is an original, semi-autobiographical dramatic comedy by Debora Krut, in which 'Patient' is diagnosed with a brain tumour. The story follows her treatment, emotional development and the subsequent impact of her diagnosis on all aspects of her life, especially her sex life.

Each actor thrives in their role. De Souza is moving as Patient, but I particularly enjoyed Emma Pollock as Best Friend and Peter Todd as Boyfriend. The two endeavour to support Patient in their own different ways - a process which brings humour as well as pain.

~ Helena Aeberli, The Oxford Blue

Given my own experience with cancer, this piece was a refreshing take. Too often, cancer is used in theatre and film as a cheap plot device, or for dramatic effect. We regularly brush over the way the condition pervades every aspect of your life for the romantic idea that cancer patients should stoic and quiet. This is not the case in Brain Freeze. It's ugly, it's sad and it's funny, but more importantly, it's truthful. I was incredibly grateful to work on the show with Debora and to bring it to the stage; I was lucky enough to play 'Boyfriend' in the show. I think Brain Freeze really captured the stress, the fear and the humour that comes with a severe diagnosis, and allowed our audiences to really connect with the issues at hand on a deeper level.

I also think the simplicity of the Brain Freeze set goes to prove that good writing does not require big budgets, crazy props and set design. It is the humanity within stories that is so captivating to watch. All that you need are the right people, the right place and the right time. And I sincerely believe we had all three during this show.

Brain Freeze is a play that thrives in its silences. Whilst Krut’s writing shines throughout, it is in the spaces between the words that the acting is strongest...or [as] Boyfriend waits for her to come out of a crucial appointment at the play’s climax.

~ Helena Aeberli, The Oxford Blue