Singing the blues : developing a cabaret performance on depression

Abstract

This paper will discuss the researcher’s practice-led study within the field of
contemporary cabaret performance. The project is focussed on transforming
personal stories of depression into cabaret with the aims of raising
community awareness of the issue. In the process, the research aims to
explore innovations within the field of cabaret. Interviews conducted with
individuals who have suffered from depression are being used as ‘inspiration
points’ for the development of the performance. This paper will
provide a short contextual review for the project and introduce the
researcher’s creative process.
For the purposes of this research, cabaret has been defined as performances
of songs and dialogue in direct-address with the audience. Cabaret
performances merge ‘high’ and ‘low’ art forms (often including satirical
comedy), and are generally performed in small-scale venues. The accessible,
intimate and light-hearted nature of cabaret offers unique opportunities for
the discussion of social issues.