Leah Shelton's award-winning one-woman show about psychiatric institutions and gender bias is heading to one of Melbourne's most iconic venues.
Drawing from her grandmother’s traumatic experience of being forcibly institutionalised in the 1960s, Shelton’s latest work unpacks society’s ongoing tendency to medicalise and pathologise women who refuse to conform. Through a mix of theatrical innovation, dark humour and meticulous research, the show delves deep into the archives of Australia’s psychiatric history while maintaining a sharp focus on contemporary parallels.
The sophisticated yet rebellious production, directed by Olivier Award-winner Ursula Martinez, examines how women continue to be labelled, locked up and silenced for challenging patriarchal norms. It serves as both a requiem for Shelton’s grandmother Gwen and a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever been dismissed as difficult, hormonal, hysterical or, indeed, batshit.
Leah Shelton – Batshit
- Arts Centre Melbourne, Fairfax Studio
- 28 May – 1 June 2025
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“The psychiatric reports consistently imply that she was detained because she wanted to leave her husband – and then deemed ‘cured’ when she returned compliantly back to her husband after treatment,” Shelton explains. “Things haven’t really changed that much for women since the 1960s. Many women are still labelled with personality disorders, pathologised and medicated, for being angry about oppression and abuse. I hope Batshit will resonate with people who have similar stories to tell and will open up conversations on how we might do things better.”
Fresh from scoring both a Scotsman Fringe First Award and the Mental Health Foundation Edinburgh Fringe Award in 2024, the production has already proven its ability to connect with audiences worldwide. It adds to Shelton’s impressive body of work, which includes the critically acclaimed Terror Australis and On Heat, establishing her as a formidable voice in feminist theatre.
Martinez, known for her work with La Clique and as co-creator of the Olivier Award-winning C’est Duckie, brings her characteristic provocative flair to the direction, ensuring the serious subject matter doesn’t lose its bite or theatrical innovation.
Tickets available here.
