ESCAPE the deepest and darkest feelings of trauma through the power of dance and comedy.

I Am Joan is a hopeful comedy and one woman show about recovery, being performed by Viv Gordon at Dorchester Corn Exchange this Wednesday, May 4.

As a woman in recovery from trauma, she finds empowerment by connecting with inspiring Joans – Joan Collins, Joan Jett and Joan of Arc –who all embody elusive qualities of resilience and self-belief.

This engrossing new production produced by Strike a Light Festival and supported by Activate Performing Arts is beautifully performed by dancer Viv Gordon, winner of Judge’s Prize at Arts in Health South West 2015.

Viv described the inspirations behind the much acclaimed show. She said: "I am a dancer with lifelong mental health issues. I have post-traumatic stress disorder from a highly disordered childhood.

"I have struggled with addiction, dissociative and compulsive behaviours, anxiety and depression, and through it all I have danced.

"Dance has been an escape from my troubled mind and somewhere I can be in control as well as able to express my deepest feelings, find out about myself and let go.

"It has enabled me to connect with myself and others and lift myself up out of my past and become a creative agent in my future."

Described by Ruth Kapadia of Arts Council England as ‘a beautifully paced piece, at once both touchingly personal and universal in its themes’ audiences can expect an empowering production and a hugely entertaining and hopeful comedy.

Think Dynasty meets Joan of Arc with lashings of cherry Bakewells, a heavy dose of glam rock and tissues for all at the end.

Irreverent, laugh out loud, hold your breath and weep silently – this show will stay with you long after you watch it. There will be a post show discussion with Viv.

n I am Joan, suitable for aged 14 and over, performing at Dorchester Corn Exchange on May 4 at 8pm. Contact box office for tickets.

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830987

e: jessica.rees

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoJessR