Interview: Elena Sirett talks “Maenad”

June 2023

Writer, performer and producer Elena Sirett brings the solo folk-punk musical “Maenad” to the Camden Fringe this year. “Maenad” is set to play at Camden People’s Theatre from 4th – 6th August and here, Elena chats about the show, accessibility when it comes to funding, and the advice garnered via a tarot read at The Satanic Flea Market…

Let’s start at the start: tell me a little bit about Maenad.

I still find Maenad hard to describe, I suppose what it is most like is the cacophonous experience of existing inside an addicted, neurodivergent and mentally ill mind, with all the spontaneous joy and humor and the often simultaneous darkness that entails. Maenad is a one person folk-punk musical, a loose adaptation of Euripides’ The Bacchae, a real time document of a person grappling with a diagnosis, as well as the reason I realised I was and was able to come out as non-binary.

And when, where and how did it all begin for Maenad?

Maenad began when I was participating in a series of queer cabaret workshops at Longfield Hall (facilitated by Grace Kelly Miller). It was in this all queer supportive environment that I felt able to begin to share my story and pursue my love of music, myth, poetry, performance and comedy. As I developed the script I asked a coworker to read a draft. This coworker is now my director, the delightful Katie Overstall. I performed Maenad for the first time in full at The Space theatre in April 2023, and am excited to take the feedback from that forward in developing the piece for Camden Fringe.

Can audiences expect light and dark or is this show intentionally all of one, none of the other?

When I talk to people about the subject matter and themes of my show they often assume it will be a very dark piece and whilst there are elements of darkness I do believe it is also a defiantly hopeful work. I find hope through silliness, through puns and dad jokes and raucous angry punk songs. The elements of light and dark in the piece are sides of the same coin, the defense mechanism of humour as it is born from difficulties and darkness. The darkness of Maenad cowers when we laugh and sing and scream in spite of it.

Who are you hoping will see this work and what are you hoping they’ll take away with them?

The audiences I piroritse reaching with Maenad are queer people,AFAB people, mentally ill people and neurodivergent people. I hope these groups feel seen by the piece, can relate to its content and that they find it cathartic. I am ruthlessly honest about everything I’ve been through, even the things I am very ashamed of, because I believe it is important to portray the truth of existence within these marginalised categories. Maenad takes the ‘manic pixie dream girl’ trope and reveals the truth and depth of that archetype. Anyone who has ever felt like they were a side character in a man’s story will hopefully feel vindicated by Maenad taking their time at center stage. I hope people will take hope, take anger, take joy, take community and be inspired to create their own work.

Are there trigger warnings or age restrictions to be aware of?

Maenad is not appropriate for people under the age of 16. Trigger warnings for: Addiction (sex, drugs and alcohol specifically), eating disorders (pica, bulimia), depictions of depression, anxiety and gender dysphoria.

Okay, quick-fire time! Best show you’ve seen this year?

Ruby Wednesday’s Narcissus at The Vaults festival. A beautiful mix of music, ritual and circus.

Best advice you’ve ever been given when it comes to theatre-making?

Early in the process of creating Maenad I had my tarot read at The Satanic Flea Market. The reader told me ‘it will take longer than you think’ and that many people were fighting for the same goals I have but that my idea at its core was strong. This has encouraged me, even through my many many moments of self doubt, to advocate for myself and my work.

Your own tastes and influences when it comes to theatre/ live work?

As with the show, my interests are eclectic. I love musical theatre, spoken word, literature, post-punk music and  stand up comedy- all of these are reflected in Maenad. I am specifically inspired by the work of Kae Tempest, Amanda Palmer, Angela Carter and John Darnielle.

The one thing you’d like the power to improve in the industry?

I would make Arts Council Funding applications more accessible. The forms as they stand favor people who have a certain level of education and who have competencies in areas that are better suited to trained accountants than to artists. As a neurodivergent person I was disappointed at how impenetrable the process felt.

In one line or less, why should audiences see your show?

Come for the penis glow sticks, stay for the trauma bonding.

So there you have it! “Maenad” is set to play at Camden People’s Theatre from 4th – 6th August – more information and tickets can be found here. You can also keep up with Elena via the website: www.elenasirett.com and Instagram: @elenasirett.