Established comedy writer and Chicago-born actor Richard Mealey ('My Failed Career', 'FryPan') presents, for the first time ever, his original horror-comedy 'Elephant Rope’.
The Scary Goats Theatre performance will play as part of Melbourne Fringe, and is a darkly funny observation of mental health. It's inspired by the titular 'elephant rope' allegory of conditioning and control, as well as by Richard's own journey with mental health and body dysmorphia.
“On the surface, it is about a man who wakes up in a hospital with no idea how he got there, and the only person who holds answers is a psychiatrist who progressively gets more and more antagonistic towards him,” creator/writer and lead actor Richard Mealey says. “Thematically, the show tackles how far we will go to protect ourselves, and how dangerous it becomes when we get too far.”
The show will enjoy its world premiere as part of the 2025 Melbourne Fringe programme.
“Melbourne Fringe provides an amazing opportunity to produce shows outside of the ordinary, and reach audiences who get excited about the unusual and absurd,” Richard exclaims.
“I am hopeful that audiences will recognise a truthful part of themselves mixed within the heightened horror atmosphere. Or at the very least have some hearty laughs along the way.”
'Elephant Rope' will expose audiences to uncomfortable truths, the trappings of depression, and the brutal reality of getting better. Richard says audiences should prepare for an experience sure to leave an impression.
“'Elephant Rope' is a horror-comedy with a creature feature element, and our brilliant designer, Em Jevons, has concocted something that will sear into your brain!”
'Elephant Rope' plays The Motley Bauhaus 29 September-5 October as part of Melbourne Fringe.
