"One person’s loneliness is symptomatic of everyone’s problem." - Christopher Bryant on award-winning show, 'Intoxication'

Christopher Bryant is an award-winning playwright, performer, and one half of ‘Before Shot’ with co-director Emma Palackic. Christopher has had plays produced around the world, and is the co-creator and performer of Intoxication.

 Tell us about the show in 100 words or less

Intoxication is a post-dramatic patchwork about queer millennial anxiety exploring how the intense fear of being alone rules modern society, and how one person’s loneliness is symptomatic of everyone’s problem.

Anywhere Festival takes place anywhere but a theatre. Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?

I’m interstate so I’ve not been to the venue, however the show itself is designed to take place anywhere but a theatre - it’s a piece that hinges on audience/performer intimacy, which isn’t usually possible in a traditional theatre setup.

What is your creative process like?

I mean, it differs with each outing, but Intoxication was formed by Emma and I going through the things I’d written in rehab (and performed at La Mama) and trying to assemble them all together in order to form an overall message and narrative. We have a confident shared language, and while we’re not afraid to call each other out, we also help the other be better.

Tell us your origin story. How did your show start?

In 2014 I was struck by a car and nearly died. Intoxication weaves together parts of writing I did in rehab as I relearned how to walk, talk, swallow, shower, eat, exist on my own terms. It debuted in 2016 as an ensemble piece at La Mama Courthouse (Melbourne), and was then redeveloped with Emma Palackic (director) into a one-person piece of storytelling. This version won the Melbourne Fringe Queer Development Award and toured around the country until the start of 2019, when we put it to rest. This performance will be the last one, but as the world - and Melbourne in particular - began to grapple with connection, the text began to take on new meaning.

Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?

Someone who’s open to connection and not afraid of eye contact.

Intoxication takes place as part of Anywhere Festival 7, 8 & 9 May 2021 at Elements Collective.