Breaking Boundaries with “Abrasion”
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is renowned for spotlighting daring performances that challenge the status quo. This year, “Abrasion” is set to be a game-changer. Penned and performed by the fiercely talented Meg-Rose Dixon, this one-woman play is brought to life under the banner of End of the Pier Productions, helmed by Bronia Buchanan. With its dark humour and unflinching social commentary, “Abrasion” delves into the often harrowing, yet deeply human, experience of women grappling with the healthcare system.
More Than Just a Play – It’s a Wake-Up Call
Meg-Rose Dixon doesn’t just tell her story; she lives it on stage, inviting audiences to walk a mile in her shoes—or rather, in her hospital gown. The narrative unfolds on the first anniversary of her surgery, an occasion she dubs her “endoversary.” With razor-sharp wit and a fearless approach to storytelling, Dixon recounts her battle with endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). “I wanted to create something that makes people laugh, but also makes them think,” Dixon shared in an interview. “It’s about shedding light on these conditions, which are far too often brushed aside or misunderstood.”
The Story Behind the Story
Dixon’s journey to the stage was anything but easy. After spending eight long years fighting for a diagnosis, she turned to writing as a way to process her experiences. “There were days when I felt like I was screaming into a void,” she recalled. “No one was listening, no one was taking me seriously.” Collaborating with director Lauren Tranter and dramaturg Janet Mooney, Dixon transformed her anguish into art. “This play is my way of taking back control, of saying, ‘I’m here, and my story matters,’” she said with palpable determination.
A Performance Like No Other
What sets “Abrasion” apart from other Fringe plays is its interactive, almost immersive nature. Dixon doesn’t just perform; she engages. The play feels more like an intimate gathering than a traditional theatre experience, with the audience encouraged to participate. “I wanted the performance to feel like a party—a celebration of resilience, if you will,” Dixon explained. Early reviews have praised this approach, noting how it draws viewers in, making them feel part of the narrative rather than mere spectators.
Why This Play Is Unmissable
At its core, “Abrasion” is a rallying cry for better women’s healthcare. With 1.5 million people affected by endometriosis alone, and diagnosis times averaging 7.5 years, Dixon’s story is all too common. But it’s in her ability to turn pain into humour, and adversity into advocacy, that the true power of the play lies. As she puts it, “I want people to leave the theatre feeling seen, and maybe a little more fired up to demand the care we all deserve.”
Catch It While You Can
“Abrasion” runs at the Gilded Balloon Patter Hoose from July 31st to August 26th, with each 60-minute performance offering a potent mix of laughter, tears, and thought-provoking commentary. The play is recommended for audiences aged 16 and over due to strong language. Given the buzz it’s generating, securing tickets ahead of time is a smart move.
Final Thoughts
In a festival known for pushing boundaries, “Abrasion” manages to stand out as both a poignant and entertaining piece. Dixon’s ability to turn her personal trials into a performance that resonates with so many is a testament to her talent and tenacity. Whether you’re drawn to the Fringe for a good laugh, or for theatre that makes you think, “Abrasion” is the play to see.
For more information and to book tickets, visit the Edinburgh Fringe website.
