Comedians Share True Stories of Trauma

At this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Anna Akana is performing her show, *It Gets Darker*, emphasizing the importance of mental well-being in storytelling. Akana highlights the potential harm of revisiting trauma without proper support, a sentiment echoed by fellow performer, McGarvey, who presents *Trauma Industrial Complex*. His work delves into the ethical implications of sharing personal narratives, particularly in light of a lawsuit against Netflix by a woman central to a controversial story, raising questions about the balance between personal exposure and the storyteller's rights. McGarvey aims to create a space for survivors to process their experiences while holding others accountable for their actions. He believes that by allowing audiences to understand the impact of abuse, they will be less likely to tolerate it in society. This commitment to accountability is a driving force behind his performances, as he seeks to foster a deeper understanding of trauma and its systemic roots. Morton, another performer, has opted not to name her assailants, focusing instead on the broader societal issues surrounding sexual violence. She reflects on her family's silence regarding her sister's suicide, revealing the complexities of discussing trauma within families. This approach underscores the need for open dialogue about difficult subjects, which can often be overlooked. Akana concludes with a hopeful message, encouraging individuals to transform their trauma into something constructive. She emphasizes that without this transformation, trauma can become a burden that weighs heavily on one’s life.