Strings Attached
Created by Dahlia Lesh | Produced by Lesh Productions | Origin: Ottawa, Canada
LabO
Show Details
Strings Attached is a heart-wrenching one-act play exploring mental illness and the extremes one will go to escape its suffocating grip. The story focuses on the complicated relationship between two characters: one is a young woman mourning her youthful innocence while struggling through her torturous present, and the other is an embodiment of her complex, fractured mind.
Content Notes
- MATURE LANGUAGE: there is some use of foul language.
- SEXUAL CONTENT: there are two lines in the play that refer to sexual assault.
- VIOLENCE: there is a moment when one character pushes the other down in a violent matter.
- MENTAL HEALTH: there is discussion of suicide, eating disorders, trauma, self harm, anxiety and depression.
Showtimes
- Thursday, June 129:00pm
- Saturday, June 144:00pm
- Sunday, June 155:00pm
- Tuesday, June 1710:00pm
- Friday, June 208:00pm
- Saturday, June 215:30pm
Based on true events, “Strings Attached” is a powerful one-act drama that explores the painful realities of living with mental illness and the desperate lengths one might go to in an attempt to escape its suffocating grip. This emotionally charged, two-character play centers on a young woman’s journey from the carefree joy of youth to an overwhelming descent into darkness. As she mourns the loss of the child she once was, she grapples with the harsh reality of mental illness and the toll it has taken on her. The story is told through her turbulent bond with a haunting figure—an embodiment of her fractured mind. This persona brings her internal struggles to life, transforming the invisible battle of mental illness into a tangible presence. Through their interactions, the play explores how mental illness impacts every part of her existence, manifesting as both a literal and metaphorical force she cannot escape. “Strings Attached” shines a light on the complexities of battling multiple mental illnesses, which culminate in a severe eating disorder. It reveals the challenges of living with illnesses that are often misunderstood and invisible to the world, yet unbearably real for the individual. In its unflinching portrayal of mental health, “Strings Attached” asks the audience to reflect on the deep, silent struggles people face in their own minds—struggles that are often hidden behind a mask of normalcy. It is a poignant exploration of human vulnerability, offering a powerful reminder of the importance of confronting and understanding the painful, often invisible aspects of the human experience.
For the full transcript, click here.
For extended content notes, click here.
8 responses to “Strings Attached”
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If this show doesn’t move you, check your pulse. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house last night.
The performance was nothing short of breathtaking — raw, vulnerable, with world-class actors.
A huge bravo to Dahlia Lesh for not only writing this powerful piece but having the courage to live it on stage.
This show is an absolute must-see. The performances were outstanding, and the artistry of the production was profoundly moving. It left me with an incredibly meaningful and emotional experience that will stay with me for a long time.
Brilliant!!!!
An impressive, entertaining and refreshingly candid testament by a longtime sufferer of the setbacks and success in a struggle against illness, depression, self-harm and self-destruction. What a show!
Definitely a must-see at this year’s Fringe. The actors are incredible and real life story will move you and make you think deeply about mental health. Go see this incredible performance.
Masterfully written and riveting performances! Highly recommend seeing this play.
Wow! Strings Attached is a must see at Fringe 2025. This masterfully written work was one of the most intense and emotional experiences I’ve ever been through as an audience member. Both Dahlia Lesh and Marianna Kokkinos gave such riveting performances that captivated us until the very last word. There was not a dry eye in the house. Thank you Dahlia for having the courage to share your story.
I have never left a review for a Fringe performance before but I simply had to for this one. 10/10 performance from both performers. If you are someone who has ever struggled with your own mental health, be prepared to see your innermost thoughts reflected on stage, flawlessly. Incredibly accurate depiction of what it’s like.