Dear Annie, I hate you is a new play based on the true story of writer and performer Sam Ipema.
At just 20 years old, Sam discovered she had a brain aneurysm which she began to call Annie. Through humour and honesty, Sam explores what it means to navigate the world after a life-changing diagnosis.
“I think the show has a lot to offer anyone with experience of their own lives suddenly blowing apart and being left with only pieces to put it back together. But it’s a call to empower people, most of all, and it’s meant to say that even in the wreckage, there is still something remarkable to be found.” – Sam Ipema
The production is partnering with Headway East London and Headway West London to raise awareness of life with brain injury.
Sam recently visited our centre in Haggerston and had a glimpse into the incredible work our community is doing to support people living with brain injury.
We also installed an exhibition in the corridor leading to the theatre. The audience will be able to learn about our Submit to Love artists’ stories and artworks, alongside art and poetry from members of Headway West London.
Sam was keen to invite as many people with lived experience as possible to see the show, so we have free and discounted tickets for our members!
Trigger Warning: Please note the show contains distressing or potentially triggering themes; strong language/swearing; scenes depicting blood and live medical surgery.
Tickets
Free tickets
We have free tickets available for members on:
Wednesday 14 May, 2pm
Wednesday 28 May, 2pm
If you would like one or more free tickets for these performances, please contact Elisa at elisa.braglia@headwayeastlondon.org or ask your keyworker.
Discounted tickets
You can also get discounted tickets:
- £12 tickets for previews 7-9 May with code ANNIE12
- £15 tickets with code ANNIE15
Members reflections and Q&A
Over the past two weeks many of our members and volunteers have seen the show and they loved it!
We asked them to tell us more about their experience:
“My brain injury was caused by an aneurysm, so I felt really close to this story. The show was clear and effective in explaining how it feels. It was beautiful and powerful.” – Jackie
“It was funny and touching at the same time. It gives the audience a good account of what brain injury feels like. I am glad that people can see the range of emotions and what the family goes through as well. The theatre is amazing, and you can go for a beautiful walk afterwards. It would make a great day out!”. – Vicky
“It took me back to what I was going through. It made me feel like I wasn’t the only one. I was struck by the scenes where her family was trying to be helpful and comforting, but they couldn’t really understand what she was going through.” – Velma
“Watching this show helped me to put a lot of things in perspective about my story. It helped me to explain to my family how I felt that I had to “unplug” from everyone that was in my life before the brain injury and then build a new relationship with them. It moved me deeply and I shed a tear. I would love to see it again!” – Marie-Claire
On Wednesday 28 May our member Firoza Choudhury joined a Q&A with the show’s writer and performer Sam Ipanema and members from Headway West London.
They discussed with the audience the common misconceptions about brain injury and the challenges of living with an invisible disability.
Firoza explained: “Many people think that brain injury is only physical, and they expect to see someone with a walking stick or in a wheelchair. Brain injury is unfortunately even more complex than that, and it can affect your memory and your ability to make plans and organise your life independently.”
They also discussed what recovery looks like for a brain injury survivor: “Brain injury is lifelong, you cannot recover from it, but you can learn to manage the consequences.”
Firoza was impressed by the show: “The show highlights how much a brain injury can turn your life upside down. I loved how they used multimediality to tell the story. I recognised many familiar challenges, like learning to walk again after the operation. It was emotional, powerful and brave.”
When someone from the audience asked if anything has changed for the better after the brain injury, Firoza mentioned the opportunities she had at Headway to “share my story, become a radio presenter, get a job in an archiving project, sing and make art.” She added: “Headway is a positive influence in my life. It’s a place where you can build a new, solid, identity that cannot be taken away.”
