You’ve abandoned your Inner Child for too long – so how will you cope with the tantrum that follows?
Join Ashley Apap as she wrestles with the child inside her (ew, not like that).
It’s time to heal – whether you’re prepared for the wounds to break open or not. On this frenzied journey of self- discovery and self-destruction, this Golden Gibbo nominated writer/performer will guide you through the six steps towards repair, understanding and self-compassion.
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Having just come off her professional theatre debut in Malthouse Theatre’s Telethon Kid, Apap’s goofy and understated nature is a breath of fresh air, showcasing her signature fluidity between sincerity and silliness. In this colourful explosion of song and character, she examines how our insecurities can conflict with our true selves, and how seemingly harmless influences may be more damaging than they appear. Apap has broken down common steps used throughout talk psychology and cognitive behavioural therapy to explore the themes of shame, authenticity, and toxic masculinity. This hour of methodical mayhem may leave you asking, ‘and is this Inner Child in the room with us right now?’
Outer Child takes a step in a more conceptual approach than the artist’s previous work, weaving the here and now of the performance with the seminar promised to the audience, all threaded together with original songs spanning a multitude of genres. With a variety of layers suggesting things are not always what they seem, the idea that one person can be so many things is represented in the transformation of the physical space, costume and whimsically designed props, and the juxtaposition of character portrayals. Though this cabaret contains strong influences from her background in theatre, the artist incorporates them with her love of comedy.
Apap’s award-nominated debut hour Ouch! had sold out runs in Melbourne and Sydney – a show about the artist’s experience with invisible disability through sketch comedy, stand-up, storytelling and song. She was the only participant in the 2022 Melbourne International Comedy Festival to have an entirely digital, accessible version of her show available on demand online (along with composing all music, Apap edited, directed, and produced the digital version) – she intends to continue to make digital versions of all shows she produces in future, including Outer Child, to bring accessible art to all.
Ashley is a writer, stand-up/sketch comedian, musical theatre performer, actor, and improviser who has performed on stages around Australia and the US including the Upright Citizens Brigade in both New York City and Los Angeles, as well as iO Chicago. Her style lives somewhere between Broad City, Paul F. Tompkins and John Early.
Grab tickets to the Melbourne Fringe show here.
