“Everyone wants a manic pixie dream girl until she breaks character.”

From Dante’s Beatrice to Kirsten Dunst’s Elizabeth in Elizabethtown, ‘Manic Pixie Dream Girl’ is a trope that most of us have encountered in film, television and literature. Eccentric, elusive and ‘not like other girls’, these characters have become heavily scrutinised for many reasons, not least of which because they seem to romanticise and fetishise the traits of neurodivergent women. 

Before entering the theatre, the audience was told that Manic Pixie Meltdown is an especially significant production as it is led by an entirely neurodivergent and AFAB cast, director and writer. It was quite a treat to see nuanced representation of neurodivergency on stage, with not a singular token character, but a whole ensemble cast that reflects a diverse range of personalities and experiences that so often go underrepresented in media.

A combination of Questacon employees and a kidnapped Kirsten Dunst makes for an energetic, witty and slightly absurd show in all the best ways. However, Thea Jade’s play also ignites important conversations surrounding self-diagnosis, masking and the ‘appropriation’ of neurodivergency on social media.

While this production of Manic Pixie Meltdown is a workshop staging, audiences can still expect a dynamic, polished piece of theatre. I am excited to follow the development of this production as it’s only up from here! With an upbeat pace, vibrant ensemble cast and important commentary, Manic Pixie Meltdown makes for an entertaining and thought-provoking theatre-going experience.

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