I Made an Adult
A bittersweet story of beaten eggs, spilt milk and the sifted years of childhood
Midnight in the kitchen. With her youngest child about to turn 18, a mother faces her greatest challenge yet: one final chance to make a Women’s Weekly birthday cake look like the picture. But as she turns the cookbook’s pages and her memories are stirred, she uncovers a truth she knows she can’t hide from her child.
“Very moving … very funny … a wonderful piece of theatre”
About the show
I Made an Adult was written in the first pandemic year, when my youngest child was in his final year of school and turning 18. All of my work was on hold–tours cancelled, even funerals restricted–and we were in the process of a poorly-timed renovation. It was a strange experience to feel that so much was changing but simultaneously, we were all having to sit so still.
At the heart of this show is the relationship between a parent and a child. When I started writing, I intended it to be an extremely lighthearted piece with a series of anecdotes between me and my children. But as I wrote, I was drawn to exploring the complexities of the relationship between a parent and a child. I have loved the chance to explore what you learn about your relationship with your parents as you become a parent yourself.
Acknowledgements and Credits
Conceived and delivered by Tracy Crisp
Directed by Maggie Wood
Love and support by Adrian Jones
Image by Headshots Adelaide
First staged at The Bakehouse Theatre Mainstage, Adelaide Fringe 2021
An extract of this work was read at tenx9 Adelaide
Thank you to my family, especially my children, for trusting me to share some of their lives so publicly
Thank you to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet through Arts South Australia for their assistance with a Quick Support Grant; and to the Department of the Premier and Cabinet through Arts South Australia and Adelaide Fringe for their assistance through a South Australian Artists COVID Support Grant
Enhanced program notes and image descriptions
My shows have a high audio content. In addition, I am a relatively static performer, there are no costume changes, and my sets are simple. So if you are blind or have low vision, you might find that my shows have good accessibility.
I'm an independent artist with a tiny budget, so I can't generally afford to have an audio describer at each show. However, I have done audio description training and have developed enhanced program and pre-show notes for all my shows. These notes provide contextual information you will hear at the performance.
The enhanced program notes are available in several formats including: in written format on my website here; in audio format on my soundcloud page; and in large print format at the venue.
The program that is given to all audience members when they arrive at the performance is also available in several formats including: in written format at the end of the enhanced program notes; in audio format on my soundcloud page; and in large print format at the venue.
