★★★★★
It’s something of miracle what Joe Tracini achieves in his hour. To take one of the most stigmatised and misunderstood mental health conditions, Borderline Personality Disorder; and give an audience not only a clear empathetic explanation of what it’s like, but also to give a human face to it. And he does all this whilst being very, very funny.
Tracini doesn’t hold back. He tells us of his drug addiction, the rehab, the compulsive lying. It’s never mawkish or naval-gazing. He gives us the facts of his life. And that’s the heart of the show really. It’s his life. It’s the human condition as much as anything. Having to deal with chronic feelings of emptiness, a bully in your head and constant suicidal ideation; it’s a complete head-fuck! And Tracini covers these topics with a candour that never underplays the condition.
Joe never lets the energy drop for a second. Framing the show around the 9 criteria for BPD means there is this clear scaffolding, your attention is kept. Stand out moments include the songs on the tiny guitar called Steve. A very inventive magic trick allegory and the use of the Benny Hill Theme.
Speaking out loud about our mental health, still feels taboo, even in 2025! But there was so much love in that room for Joe, for all of us, it was more of a coming together, a kinship. And that is vitally important! Thank you Joe.
Joe Tracini: Ten Things I Hate About Me was on at Ermintrude at Underbelly, Bristo Square
