“It was great to see both sides learning and sharing,” Mental Health volunteer Toby said. “She reaches out and teaches in a very positive way and we are really lucky to have had her up here.”
On Friday she travelled to Smithers to perform again at the Hudson Bay Lodge and many people from the Hazeltons made the journey to watch her.
People were also able to buy her DVD about her award winning play Crazy for Life which debuted in May of 2002, which is her personal story about her “roller-coaster ride with bipolar disorder, psychosis and anxiety.”
Those who have reviewed the play say it is “touching, accurate, informative and educational” as she takes a funny and compelling look at surviving and coming to terms with mental illness.
“I wish the reason I wrote this play were more virtuous,” she states in her booklet. “They weren’t. At the time I was working as a marketing and administrative assistant and longing for my former creative life. I knew a good story when I heard one. Something about a naked woman running down the street always makes for ‘good copy’. My wish is that this personal piece not only entertains people but helps to smash and destroy the myths, fears and stigmas surrounding the very taboo subject of mental illness.”
Although Maxwell has now returned to her home in the Lower Mainland, people can still purchase a copy of her play or tell their own stories to her which she asks for.
“I invite people to tell their own stories,” she said. “Our lives are the best, most powerful tools for expressing the truth about mental illness.”
For those wishing to contact Maxwell to share their journey, buy a copy of her play or to book her for an event, her website is www.victoriamaxwell.com or people can email her at victoria@victoriamaxwell.com.