Impatient Inpatient

Reviewed by Marianne Daly

The vibe is a candid, humorous reflection.

Rikki Wright’s ride to the store took a bad turn when he was suddenly rerouted through Hamilton General’s trauma centre, followed by three months in hospital. One year later, Wright is ready to share with honesty, candid details, and a healthy dose of self-deprecating humour what he learned about himself and our healthcare system. 

Wright makes effective use of the wall-sized screen on the back of the stage. Projected photos of the scene of the accident put the audience in a passerby's perspective. Another photo brings us in as visitors to his hospital room. He shows us the view from his window at sunrise. He gives fair warning to cover our eyes if we don't want to see photos of his torn and tattered skin, just a few of the extensive injuries Wright suffered in the crash.

As he tells the stories, Wright gradually is able to move from a stretcher-like bed to a wheelchair and to relearn how to walk. It's hard for a strong-bodied man to suddenly be so broken he can't walk or get himself out of bed to go to the bathroom. He isn't shy about sharing a couple of embarrassing experiences of unpredictable body functions that had the audience laughing. Wright’s retelling of encounters with various patients weaves humour, heart and humanity throughout his obstacle-ridden adventures through the sterile corridors.

Because I wasn't able to see the bottom of the screen, I missed a full understanding of how vulnerable and unprotected Wright was and the intensity of the impact. Only when I asked him after the show did I feel amazed that he survived. 

Wright is fun, interesting and easy to listen to. He said he was writing a book, for therapeutic reasons, and I, for one, would enjoy hearing more about this experience.

Event Details

Age Suitability: All Ages (everyone - including young children and sensitive viewers)

Genre: Storytelling/Solo Show

Run Time: 60 mins

Written, Directed and Performed by

Rikki Wright

Warnings

Coarse Language, Strobe Lights, Other

Sensitive Subject