Gaynor Young returns to the stage with Beauty in the Broken

Theatre on the Square opened its doors to a packed audience on September 30, all eager to witness Beauty in the Broken, a deeply moving one-woman show starring the remarkable Gaynor Young.

Directed by Maralin Vanrenen, who has worked with Gaynor on two previous productions, this new work stands as a testament to human strength and the power of storytelling.

Gaynor’s life story is as compelling as the performance itself. Originally from George, she was an actress before a devastating accident changed her life forever.

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In 1989, while performing, Gaynor fell 18m down a lift shaft at the State Theatre, resulting in severe brain damage and lasting physical challenges, including significant vision loss.

Doctors once believed she would be confined to bed for life.
But Gaynor defied those odds. “I have died, I’m alive again today,” she shared during the performance, a line from the poem she recited at her mother’s funeral last year.

This poem, which moved director Vanrenen to envision the show, is woven throughout the performance, honouring Gaynor’s late mother, Carrie Young, who passed away just a year ago. Living just two streets apart until her passing, Gaynor’s deep bond with her mother inspired much of the show’s heartfelt narrative.

When asked about the inspiration behind the show, Gaynor said, “My mother. That poem I said at her funeral, that’s where Emma [Maralin] heard it and said, ‘Gaynor, this must go into your new show.’ So we’ve tried to bring as much of my mother’s light into the performance as possible.”

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Despite her challenges, Gaynor’s spirit shines brightly. She even brought her beloved dog, Leah, on the journey from George to Vegas and then here, calling her ‘my child,’ a poignant reminder of the love and companionship that sustains her.

Vanrenen’s direction brought out the humour, vulnerability, and strength in Gaynor’s story, supported by a unique theatrical device, an angel voice from the wings, helping Gaynor with cues and narration, reflecting the ongoing challenges with memory due to brain injury.

“Gaynor’s journey has always touched me deeply,” Vanrenen said.

“To witness the courage with which she faced unimaginable challenges, and then to see her return to the stage with such grace and humour, is nothing short of inspiring. Beauty in the Broken is a celebration of resilience, love, and the indomitable human spirit.”

Gaynor concluded, “I used to be an actress to earn money. Now, after my accident, this is a chance, an incredible, fortunate chance to tell my story all over again.”

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