- Lewis Rawlinson
How do you pursue an art form you love when you no longer feel that you belong?
In Nervous Breakdown in G Minor, Lewis recounts grappling with his queerness and mental health while being raised Mormon, pursuing classical cello at a competitive conservatory, and facing the realities of the modern day musician. Lewis reenacts his journey in segments with storytelling, then musically expresses them through a performance of a cello sonata. A tumultuous piece that mirrors the progression of his story.
By sharing an unfiltered range of experiences from discovery, joy, doubt, calamity to rebirth, this show is a practice of exploring identity and reclaiming one’s narrative to make a more personal and thus universal connection to music.
This is a very relatable show for anyone personally or for someone who has been there for a loved one dealing with mental illness or addiction. The healing power of music is strong. Kudos to Lewis for putting together such a strong and powerful first Fringe show. Welcome to Winnipeg, hope to see you back!
Yesterday, I had the privilege of witnessing Lewis Rawlinson’s solo show “Nervous Breakdown in G Minor,” and I must say, it was a profoundly moving experience. As someone who has navigated his own share of personal and musical challenges, I felt a deep connection to Mr. Rawlinson’s story and performance. The show’s narrative, which explores Rawlinson’s struggles with anxiety, depression (and coping mechanisms), and finding his place as a musician, resonated deeply with me. Ten minutes into the show, and I thought to myself, “he’s talking about me!”, recognizing aspects of my own journey in his story – the self-doubt, the pressure to create, and the quest for authenticity in one’s art. It was both cathartic and validating to see my own experiences reflected on stage. Mr. Rawlinson’s performance was breathtaking, funny, quirky, vulnerable, with a mesmerizing blend of music, storytelling, and physicality. His cello playing is absolutely exquisite, conveying the emotional intensity and vulnerability that defined his narrative. Very moving. He performs throughout the show, each of the four movements of Rachmaninoff’s Cello Sonata . The way he weaves together fragments of his life, music, and observations created a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the audience into his world. What struck me most, however, was the courage and honesty Mr. Rawlinson brought to the stage. His willingness to confront his struggles and share them with the audience created a sense of connection and community that was palpable. It was a powerful reminder that we are not alone in our struggles and that art can be a potent tool for healing and connection. As a musician myself, I have always been a proponent of the cathartic and healing powers of music, both for those listening, and those performing. Overall, “Nervous Breakdown in G Minor” is a must-see. Ultimately, I was an emotional wreck at the end of the show, and he very much deserved the standing ovation. It’s a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for resilience and the transformative power of art, and Mr. Rawlinson’s performance is a masterclass in storytelling, musicianship, and vulnerability. My rating Is 5/5 stars.
5⭐️
Vulnerable and profound with moments that left the audience in tears – both from laughter and heartbreak. A healing show, a must-see for any classical musicians especially! Highlight of the fringe. Includes a full performance of a beautifully-performed cello sonata, so the ticket is well worth the cost! Bravo.
One of the best fringe shows I have ever seen so far! This is a masterpiece must see! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This might be the best show I have ever seen. Impeccable. A must-see.
This might be the best fringe show I have ever seen. Impeccable. And I could tell the audience agreed.
This musician’s journey of mastering the Cello whilst struggling through mental illness, substance abuse and coming to terms with being queer in an unforgiving environment of religious extremism is a true inspiration. His story is beautifully told with humor, drama and of course, cello. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fabulous show, I’d highly recommend it!
Don’t think I’ll be able to put into words just how much this show moved me, but WOW, what a beautiful piece of art this show is. Lewis is so funny, captivating, and clearly passionate about performance. Some people are truly meant to tell stories and he proves that with this piece. Talented is an understatement. If you’re a musician, see this show. If you’re queer, see this show. If you’re a queer musician, see this show. Such a gifted artist, I’m still mesmerized.
Beautifully courageous and artfully told story of life, challenge, resilience and triumph. Excellent.
Lewis won my heart and I hope he continues to come back to Wpg. His passion for his cello, the acting and singing and dancing! I thoroughly enjoyed it!
A very moving story, The cello playing was excellent.
Worth seeing.
If I can leave a message for Bill (his review is above), the Rachmaninoff piece Lewis showcased is: Sonata for Cello and Piano.
An exquisitely-performed rhapsody on a Creative Life and the unfolding of identity ~ Lewis’ performance is riveting in every respect. As a musician, I especially loved his storytelling via cello ~ ineffable!! He feels like a seasoned pro. Lewis, please return to us!!
Lewis was able to pull me into his performance my getting me into his mental space through his excellent storytelling and the meaning infused into the piece from Rachmaninoff (darn I wish I remember the piece, now I will have to go digging) that serves as the backbone of the story.
This feels like a passion project a lifetime in the making. A cathartic experience no doubt for the performer.
He made me feel his transformation and live in his world and did so in a VERY short time. A testament to quite his amazingly compact storytelling ability through performance and music.
Must see.
A performance that will tug at your heartstrings! Rawlinson’s musical and individual transparency fosters genuine connection.
An utterly gorgeous piece and performance. I’m gobsmacked that this is Lewis’s first Fringe show!
The most deeply relatable piece of art I’ve seen in a long time, this show was everything I didn’t know I needed. Therapeutic for artist and audience alike with truly moving cello playing, this was the perfect way to start my fringing.