Chris Pitman's acclaimed one-man play opens the door to difficult conversations.
By Tim O’Brien
WHEN well-known Australian theatre actor and playwright Chris Pitman brings his critically acclaimed meditative monodrama Shore Break to Berninneit next Wednesday it promises more than a riveting and sometimes confronting theatrical experience.
Described as “an intimate portrait of a lost soul”, Shore Break is one man’s reflection of heartbreak, confusion and isolation and the search for connection and meaning.
Through humour, reminiscence and deft writing, Pitman peels away layers of rejection and regret, discontent and vulnerability – those touchpoints of the human condition that bedevil so many of us.
WHEN well-known Australian theatre actor and playwright Chris Pitman brings his critically acclaimed meditative monodrama Shore Break to Berninneit next Wednesday it promises more than a riveting and sometimes confronting theatrical experience.
Described as “an intimate portrait of a lost soul”, Shore Break is one man’s reflection of heartbreak, confusion and isolation and the search for connection and meaning.
Through humour, reminiscence and deft writing, Pitman peels away layers of rejection and regret, discontent and vulnerability – those touchpoints of the human condition that bedevil so many of us.
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And why is this night of theatre and discussion important?
Well, sitting at odds with the gifts of this “lucky country”, Australian communities are blighted with depression, anxiety, stress disorders, substance-use disorders and suicide. Globally, Australia sits among the top 10 countries for depression, anxiety and rates of suicide. Disconnection, social isolation, family discord, trauma, sexual violence and rejection are all associated with increased risk of depression, anxiety and suicide. |
Reviews for Shore Break
“It is with utter conviction that I urge you to see this work” - Stage Whispers “The performance and script by Chris Pitman are a tour de force, and the standing ovation well-deserved …” - The Clothesline “Shore Break is a beautifully crafted, poignant and thought-provoking piece of theatre that showcases Pitman’s storytelling power. I implore you, do not miss it” - Lia Loves |
Suicide always leaves bewilderment, along with the most awful pain. Commonly, there is no single moment, but a slow submersion into a world of private and unexpressed pain. Equally commonly, even when a loved one, a good mate or a colleague is sinking into that place of darkness, those of us who know them best may miss the clues.
What we do know is that talking about these things, being able and encouraged to open the heart, to express vulnerability, to reach for support, is a powerful step to finding the way back to health.
What we do know is that talking about these things, being able and encouraged to open the heart, to express vulnerability, to reach for support, is a powerful step to finding the way back to health.
Surprises in the bare statistics
Australia loses more than 3200 people a year to suicide – more than twice the road toll. The highest rates are not found in the gritty isolated neighbourhoods of the inner cities; in fact suicide rates increase in direct correlation with distance from city and suburbs. Suicide rates here in our beautiful Bass Coast are as much as double those of the greater Melbourne region.
Deaths by suicide, 2019–2023Age-standardised rate (per 100,000)
> 17.5 – 33 East Gippsland and North West Victoria
> 14.5 – 17.5 West Gippsland and Bass Coast region
> 5.5 – 9.2 Greater Melbourne Region
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, ABS 2023
Perhaps we need to question a few of the tropes so often repeated: that people in the bush are great at looking out for one another, that we are better connected as communities, that we feel a strong sense of belonging and acceptance, that we are leavened by the rub of community, and draw strength and resilience from this connection.
So, let’s talk
Those figures tell us that we have work to do at the community level and in local government (by dint of its proximity to the community it serves), and that our state and federal governments must address the uncomfortable disparity revealed in these figures. Providing more professional support and counselling services in regional areas would seem to be an obvious first step.
I grew up with a father, a sheep farmer, who lived with an impenetrable depression. As a child and adolescent, I worried he might suicide - he said as much, obliquely, and on more than one occasion. It’s a terrible thing for a child to carry.
I look forward to seeing Shore Break. My wish is that it may prompt discussion and reflection.
We each have a role. “Talking” about these uncomfortable things is key. We need to be better at reaching out, building bridges, being alert, recognising struggle and asking that important question: “Hey, you seem a bit out of whack, have you chatted to your GP, want to talk, can I help?”
We can do something about this.
Island Ward councillor and OHS professional, Tim O’Brien, is the author of A Handbook of Workplace Mental Health (ADA Australia, 2024), author of the awarded childrens’ book The Penguin Shore, and of numerous other published works. He cautions readers not to construe any of these words as containing specific or general medical nor wellbeing advice around the difficult matters covered. “They sit as my commentary, and should be considered unreliable.”
Australia loses more than 3200 people a year to suicide – more than twice the road toll. The highest rates are not found in the gritty isolated neighbourhoods of the inner cities; in fact suicide rates increase in direct correlation with distance from city and suburbs. Suicide rates here in our beautiful Bass Coast are as much as double those of the greater Melbourne region.
Deaths by suicide, 2019–2023Age-standardised rate (per 100,000)
> 17.5 – 33 East Gippsland and North West Victoria
> 14.5 – 17.5 West Gippsland and Bass Coast region
> 5.5 – 9.2 Greater Melbourne Region
Source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, ABS 2023
Perhaps we need to question a few of the tropes so often repeated: that people in the bush are great at looking out for one another, that we are better connected as communities, that we feel a strong sense of belonging and acceptance, that we are leavened by the rub of community, and draw strength and resilience from this connection.
So, let’s talk
Those figures tell us that we have work to do at the community level and in local government (by dint of its proximity to the community it serves), and that our state and federal governments must address the uncomfortable disparity revealed in these figures. Providing more professional support and counselling services in regional areas would seem to be an obvious first step.
I grew up with a father, a sheep farmer, who lived with an impenetrable depression. As a child and adolescent, I worried he might suicide - he said as much, obliquely, and on more than one occasion. It’s a terrible thing for a child to carry.
I look forward to seeing Shore Break. My wish is that it may prompt discussion and reflection.
We each have a role. “Talking” about these uncomfortable things is key. We need to be better at reaching out, building bridges, being alert, recognising struggle and asking that important question: “Hey, you seem a bit out of whack, have you chatted to your GP, want to talk, can I help?”
We can do something about this.
Island Ward councillor and OHS professional, Tim O’Brien, is the author of A Handbook of Workplace Mental Health (ADA Australia, 2024), author of the awarded childrens’ book The Penguin Shore, and of numerous other published works. He cautions readers not to construe any of these words as containing specific or general medical nor wellbeing advice around the difficult matters covered. “They sit as my commentary, and should be considered unreliable.”
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Shore Break is at Berninneit at 7.30pm on Wednesday July 30. Book at Trybooking.
The play will be followed by a panel of experts including Pitman, surfer Ross Clarke-Jones, Barry Randall (founder of Operation Soul Surf), and writer and former police officer Paul Milne leading a discussion on resilience and men’s mental health. |