American actor Dede Lovejoy is heading to Edinburgh Fringe with her “spiritual traumedy”, Shamaniac.
“A series of mysterious debilitating seizures and a freak elevator accident send actor Dede Lovejoy on an off-road scavenger hunt for healing. From sound baths to bean diets, this deeply personal solo-play traces one woman’s unconventional recovery, as she flips the bird to Western medicine and swan dives into otherworldly remedies to reintegrate body, mind and soul. A mystical post-traumatic stress fantasia featuring bad choices, safety tips, spirit guides and shamanism – with cameos by polyamory and the patriarchy.”
Where: Mint Studio at Greenside @ George Street
When: 7-29 Aug
Ticket link: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/shamaniac
Shamaniac A Spiritual Traumedy emerged as I was recovering from a freak elevator accident where I nearly lost my hand—part memoir, part cautionary tale, and 100% true. Massive heartbreak destroyed me. Accidents crippled me—my desire to integrate spiritually, mentally, and physically led to me to non-traditional healing practices, and ultimately a surprising, revelatory new self, new beliefs, and a new body.
Tending to trauma (Physical/mental and spiritual trauma) in this world is challenging, but we all have relationships and we all have accidents! Shamaniac is a very raw look at my bizarre journey, warts and all. I hope people see themselves and identify. I wanted to share the experience authentically—we all break our hearts, our bodies—reintegrating the mind/body/spirit connection is paramount to our survival. I wanted to shine a light on my recovery experience and maybe help someone along the way.
– How would you sell it to audiences in one paragraph?
I would have to defer to my blurb:
A series of mysterious debilitating seizures and a freak elevator accident send actor Dede Lovejoy on an off-road scavenger hunt for healing. From sound baths to bean diets, this deeply personal solo play traces one woman’s unconventional recovery, as she flips the bird to western medicine and swan dives into otherworldly remedies to reintegrate body, mind and soul. A mystical post-traumatic-stress-fantasia featuring bad choices, safety tips, spirit guides and shamanism—with cameos by polyamory and The Patriarchy.
– Do you enjoy participating in the Fringe? And do you have any moments you particularly remember?
There is nothing like the Edinburgh Fringe! This will be my third visit and FIRST TIME performing! My director, Joy Donze, performed her solo show, 13 and Not Pregnant, in the Mint at Greenside a few years ago—so we will be revisiting her old theatre haunt with Shamaniac as a director! I personally can’t wait to pet the Greyfriars Bobby statue and buy a vintage leather jacket from my favorite Edinburgh Vintage thrift! And people watch whilst cramming in as many shows as I can—I HOPE Betty Grumble is performing this year!
What are you looking forward to the most in Edinburgh?
I’m looking forward to the community, energy and excitement! I experienced the EdFringe as an audience member last year. This year I’m going to dive into the Fringe as an actor times 2!
I am performing in two plays (Shamaniac, as well as the Misfortunes of a Spy and Her Mystic), both at Greenside at George Street, so I’m also looking forward to hijinks and hilarity! The creativity, passion, and overall goodwill are inspiring, and I can’t wait to bathe in it. I want to see and support as many new artists and their work as possible. And of course I can’t wait to celebrate all the queer artists, specifically and loudly!
What’s next for the show?
Shamaniac will have a run Off-Broadway in New York in 2727, hopefully. Then Shamaniac may hit the road and travel to Fringe venues worldwide. After Off-Broadway and further Fringe productions, colleges and theaters worldwide, please!