Onnen Productions, a theatre company that portrays queer and Welsh stories, are debuting in London with ‘12’ an original drama about OCD.
A one-woman show written by Martha Ifan, an emerging writer from Carmarthen in west Wales, and directed by Natalya Micic, ‘12’ depicts life with OCD.
1, 2, 3… Why is Marian so annoying? 4, 5, 6… Why is Lea doing so well? 7, 8, 9… Why does everyone need coffee all the time? 10, 11, 12…
Follow Mel as she tries to survive her 20s, with OCD making sure she does everything 12 times—because, you know, the world might implode otherwise. Her intrusive thoughts? Oh, just the usual: catching mouth cancer, her mum’s death, and the end of the world… all while serving coffee to an overly curious customer.
‘12’ is a development of the original script ‘Dan Orfod’ that was submitted for the Drama Medal competition at the Urdd Eisteddfod in 2021.
The audience follows Mel, played by Catrin Mai Edwards, as she navigates a relationship breakdown and drops out of university. ‘12’ dismantles the stereotypes that are often associated with OCD to help audiences see how some people with the condition live.
The drama also gives a voice to people living with the condition in Wales and the specific cultural dynamics which affect the way the disorder is talked about and dealt with.
Writer Martha Ifan said: “This piece originated as a 5-minute monologue, and to have the opportunity to develop this into a full-length play is a great opportunity to shine the light on OCD and how it affects people. I can’t wait to see how it resonates with audiences, those with OCD and those that don’t.”
Director Natalya Micic added: “Coming on board to Direct this production has been an educational experience; it has opened my eyes to the real experiences of someone living with OCD. It has given me dedicated time to research the condition, in-depth, to help create a world in which OCD is truly represented but in an approachable lighthearted portrayal.”
New Wimbledon Theatre, Studio, 93 The Broadway, London, SW19 1QG
4 March – 8 March, 7:45pm
Tickets from £19.80
Running time: 60 Minutes
Age: 14+
