The Expulsion of Exulansis

By- Sanskruti Biswal, Edinburgh Mental Health Network
Trigger warning- mention of suicide

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The play Expulsion of Exulansis is based on the real-life story of the main character Siyani Sheth. The style of play that gripped me from the beginning was having Siyani reflect on the past trauma she had been through, in discussion with her current therapist on stage, where her previous years have been shown on screen played by other actors simultaneously. The raw and honest portrayal of one’s deepest struggles stirred my emotions. That someone can share this level of depth of the story of their life with the audience, so that others talk about issues they are facing, and not bottle it up, is moving to see.

With great writing and dialogue, the cast has justified the various roles they played, while Siyani walks us through different chapters in her life. The play touches on themes of suicide, self-harm, feelings of helplessness, and its effect on everyday things like lack of appetite, and ability to perform in class, where everything feels overwhelming. It also shows the lack of support from people meant to safeguard kids’ mental health and how that can make the person seeking help feel scared and alone. The doctor Siyani sees for example, is cold and strict in her response when the situation should have been dealt with compassion and understanding instead.

The play touched on various issues faced by teenagers that are often disregarded or taken lightly such as mood swings or suicidal thoughts. It is refreshing to see Siyani’s father in the story trying their best to make sense of Siyani’s experience and help her. The desperation parents feel in these situations has been portrayed beautifully. The story also shows Siyani in her moments of joy, laughing with her friends, making new friends and bonding with them.

Siyani’s interaction with her therapist in the current time shows much more kindness and the ability to listen without judgement, which is probably what we need the most when one is going through difficult times. This is a story of progress, and recovery, where towards the end of the play we see Siyani talking to her younger self. This had the audience in tears because the pain in understanding past versions of yourself that didn’t know what to do, comes out so clearly in this section. Siyani says to herself, ‘You’re wounded, not broken.’ and the delivery of this was so powerful and touching.

I would recommend this play to anyone who wants to talk and learn more about the many mental health issues we go through in our young life. Parents, teachers, and doctors can see the side of people and start conversations that allow kids to open up, either in therapy or in front of their peers, and take away the shame people feel when talking about their mental health. This play will have you relate in many ways, have you crying and definitely thinking about the need for more resources in our mental health services.

I can appreciate the story, especially as its true life, so credit to the company and the writer. However I wasn’t keen on the format of the play, it jumped around too much and the dialogue and acting for the most part unfortunately wasn’t believable.

As a parent and a professional who works with people suffering from anxiety, I was spellbound from the very beginning of this play. It was so relatable.

I felt a connection to the characters deeply and felt like I had a front row seat inside Siyani’s mind and not just her play. What a remarkable young woman.

It was raw, honest, beautifully scripted and served as a powerful reminder that teenage mental health struggles need to be taken more seriously by us all. This is a play that deserves a much wider platform and reach. I look forward eagerly, to see what Siyani goes on to create in the future.

I was moved by 'The Expulsion of Exulansis'. As a retired therapist I felt it rang true. The group scenes were great, and some of the one-to-ones held dark humour. It was well written and touched me. I felt close to tears at the end, and warmed by the closing note of redemption.

It’s a brilliant, heartwarming and important piece. Well done to Siyani, this helped me as a father of young girls and will no doubt effect many others.

An important story, bravely told. Parents and friends and lovers of young souls dealing with issues of self harm and suicidal ideation will welcome this deeply felt insight into these themes.Thank you cast and writer for your hearts and vulnerability.

This is a show which stops you in your tracks - heartfelt performance with a personal and raw edge that hits each and everyone of your emotions - you leave uplifted knowing that through the spirit of the love of family that dark days will pass and your journey is continous.

This was a powerful and deeply moving show! I have so much admiration for Siyani for sharing her story, and I am in awe of her selflessness for trying to target others who may also be struggling with their mental health.

Mental health awareness is such an important topic in today’s world and this performance does an incredible job of shining a light on that. Well done to the extremely talented Siyani and her team for an outstanding show and for sharing your journey with us. I will look out for you next year!

Wow, deeply moving and such bravery in facing such issues. Brilliantly delivered and well worth seeing...

As a father of two daughters, watching “The Expulsion of Exulansis” was an emotionally charged experience. The play delves deep into the harrowing realities of mental health struggles faced by many young people today. It’s heart-wrenching to think that my daughters might face similar challenges, but this play offered a beacon of hope. It powerfully conveys the message that with understanding and support, we can fight for change and create a safer world for our children. This is a must-see for anyone committed to mental health awareness and advocacy.

Wow - I did not know what to expect when I sat in to watch this show, but it took me out of my comfort zone and taken me to a very personal journey which I did not see coming. Without saying too many spoilers, this show should be mandatory to watch for certain sector's individuals. This topic is super important and we - as a society should start talking about it more.

Huge well done!!!!

Fantastic performance based on true story with deep meaning behind, that helps to understand better those in need of help and who are struggling with their wellbeing.

Highly recommended for young adults!
Well done!

This play is both evocative and powerful, addressing the sensitive topics of depression and self-harm with remarkable grace and empathy. It provides valuable insights into the experiences of individuals grappling with mental health challenges. Truly exceptional and serves as an enlightening experience.

I encourage everyone to support the talented writer and the entire team involved, as they represent a cause that extends beyond the performance itself.

This play is a true story of a young girl whom struggles with her mental health and goes through everything including feeling suicidal to self harming to trying for getting the help they need and starring the real girl and her father whom wanted and needed to get this story out there which should truly bring the audiences in and hopefully this helps others out there going through similar circumstances as this is well put together and does touch your heart with pure emotion and keeps you gripped from beginning to end and this is high on our list as one not to be missed and we can see this being turned into a Television Drama
☆☆☆☆☆
Top Star Rated Show

Hard-hitting, raw and straight from the heart - both the writing and the performances of a versatile cast. Amazing courage in the telling of this story (her own) - from a gorgeous young woman with so much promise - please keep writing, for yourself and for what it puts in the open for so many! Wonderful family involvement - and a shout out to work of Samaritans.