Shalom House residents to act in Fringe World show about addiction

The Advocate - Written by Lisa Thomas

RESIDENTS from drug rehabilitation group Shalom House will showcase their acting skills in an shocking and touching show as part of the Perth Fringe Festival next month.

The live production, Anyman, is based on founder and chief executive Peter Lyndon-James’ book Tough Love and takes audiences on the journey of addiction and the ripple effect it has on families and communities.

The show, which has been written and directed by Jane Hille and presented by Fenceline Theatre Company, tells the story of Mr Lyndon-James and many other people struggling with addiction.

Lyndon-James said the story would tell the real life story that so many people were currently facing and the heartbreak, pain and financial misery families were left with.

“The person who chooses addiction doesn’t just hurt themselves. It causes a ripple effect and hurts everyone around them,” he said.

“I’m hoping this show will empower families and they can see what they need to do in this situation and not what they may want to do.

“Often families are the biggest enablers of those with addiction issues as they try to help them by letting them stay with them, but it only makes them worse.”

Lyndon-James admits that the production will be confronting and eye-opening.

“It shows the story of addiction from beginning to end and all the horrible parts of it,” he said.