Unmasking Identity: ‘Head Set’ – A Journey of Laughter, Neurodiversity, and Self-Discovery
Victoria Melody’s ‘Head Set,’ under the direction of John Gordillio, is a strikingly unconventional and ingeniously innovative performance right from the outset. It’s a unique blend of a one-woman show and a stand-up set, and it immediately captures the audience’s attention.
Victoria takes the stage dressed in a costume that can only be described as a fusion of all her previous odd jobs, which she discusses in the performance. These jobs range from a funeral director to a dog show handler and even a pigeon fancier. Her demeanor is marked by openness and joyfulness, and the stage is adorned with seemingly random props, setting the scene for something remarkable.
The audience is taken on a journey through Victoria’s experiences, from her odd jobs to her struggles in the amateur open-mic comedy scene. She explores the intricacies of conventional comedy and joke structure, at times embodying her antagonistic stand-up teacher to illustrate the challenges she encounters. The narrative takes a more profound turn with her ADHD diagnosis, highlighting the transformative impact of such self-awareness. Victoria reflects on feeling “a bit shit” and expresses her sadness for her younger self, who would have greatly benefited from an earlier diagnosis. The audience gains insight into her childhood through recorded audio from her mother, who provides examples of Victoria’s forgetfulness, impulsiveness, and obsessive behaviors, all of which align with neurodivergence.
Victoria’s experience with ADHD medication leaves her despondent and on the brink of suicide, leading her to reject this form of treatment. However, a pivotal moment occurs during a disastrous gig where a man falls on a glass bottle. Victoria springs into action, administering first aid while simultaneously engaging with the audience. In this intense moment, she experiences a surge of euphoria, prompting her to draw a connection between ADHD individuals, who often lack dopamine, and stand-up comedy. The high-risk, high-reward nature of stand-up floods the body with adrenaline and dopamine. This revelation leads her to collaborate with a neuroscientist, resulting in performances with a Head Set that measures her interest, stress levels, and more in real-time.
This innovative approach proves highly successful but also increasingly taxing, both physically and mentally. Victoria eventually “unmasks” herself to the audience, revealing that she has autism in addition to ADHD. She shares how much more fulfilling her life has become since embracing her true self and relinquishing the need to conform to neurotypical norms. She continues to pursue her interests in science, stand-up comedy, and medieval dress reenactment while proudly embracing her unique identity.
Victoria Melody’s performance and storytelling are nothing short of brilliant, entertaining, and refreshingly original. The ninety minutes spent in her company fly by as the audience becomes engrossed in her captivating narratives and insightful observations. These are essential themes and issues that deserve representation on the stage, particularly for neurodivergent women, who are often underdiagnosed. Victoria’s performance offers a positive, authentic, and destigmatizing portrayal of neurodiversity, emphasizing that our differences need not be seen as disadvantages when embraced and harnessed effectively.