The Green Room award nominated Memoir of A Tired Carer arrives on stage at Melbourne Fringe from October 15 – 22 at the Festival Hub, Trades Hall, Carlton.
It’s been a long journey to see Oliver Bailey’s Memoir of a Tired Carer realised onstage.
Initially set to appear at the Melbourne Fringe in 2021, the pandemic forced Oliver to pivot to an online radio play.
A do-it-yourself affair recorded in his home, it quickly became one of the highlights of the Festival.
Nominated for not only a Fringe Award for Best Work by an Emerging Artist, it also went on to be nominated for two Independent Theatre Green Room Awards: Best New Writing and Best Production (Digital).
This work finally debuts as part of Melbourne Fringe 2022.
In Memoir of a Tired Carer: “Something lurks in the corners of this nursing home. It hides in the walls and creeps through doorways, unwelcome and shy. Something forgotten long ago and left to waste away. Waiting, pleading… James can see it. He’s not sure anyone else can. For three months he’s worked here. The pay is low. His bosses expect too much. His coworkers don’t give a damn. And half of the residents are waiting around to die. It’s tough going.”
When James makes friends with Sally, one of the newest residents, he feels like maybe things will start to change. But the forces at work here are old and strong.And in aged care, tragedy is never far away.”
Hot on the heels of the Royal Commission into Aged Care, this play examines the quality of care of our elderly , and the many workers co-opted into that process.
The lack of financial and institutional support for healthcare workers, and the deplorable treatment of those in aged care, continues to be a major issue Australia wide.
October 15 – 22 (no show Monday) at 6pm (5pm on Sundays).
Festival Hub: Trades Hall – The Studio (Cnr Lygon and Victoria Sts, Carlton)
melbournefringe.com.au or 9660 9666

• Cheryl Threadgold