Raw emotion meets comedic brilliance in this unflinching exploration of ADHD
Nicole Nadler’s Why Am I (Still) Like This? is a moving and hilarious exploration of life with ADHD that leaves audiences both crying and laughing. In this captivating one-woman show, Nadler fearlessly delves into her 30-year journey with neurodivergence, using a minimalist set to maximum effect.
The stark staging, featuring a spotlight that isolates Nadler during extreme moments of vulnerability, perfectly emblematizes the sense of exposure and alienation often felt by those with ADHD. The body-length mirror she carries throughout the performance serves as a powerful metaphor for the weight of unanswered questions and the harsh inner critic that plagues many with the condition.
Nadler’s storytelling is a masterclass in pacing and emotional range. She effortlessly transitions between flashbacks and present-day reflections, her rapid-fire delivery mimicking the frenetic pace of an ADHD mind. Her ability to bounce back with renewed energy after deeply emotional scenes is a testament to her skill as a performer. The show doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of living with ADHD in a neuronormative world.
Nadler tackles both personal struggles and systemic issues, challenging the notion that ADHD’s positive traits outweigh its challenges. Her frank discussion of seemingly simple tasks like timekeeping or grocery shopping resonates deeply with those who share her experiences. Building on the success of her 2023 show, Why Am I Like This?, Nadler’s sequel delves deeper into themes of self-acceptance and love. She references a poignant line from The Perks of Being a Wallflower – “we accept the love we think we deserve” – to underscore the show’s central message: true validation comes from within, not from external sources.
Why Am I (Still) Like This? is ultimately a celebration of self-love and the determination required to achieve it, especially in the face of societal pressure and past traumas. Nadler’s performance is a triumph of storytelling, humour, and raw emotion that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt out of step with the world around them.
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/why-am-i-still-like-this