Cringe Effect

Tortive Theatre

Cringe Effect unfolds in a Portland Anorexia Rehabilitation Centre where Ce, a long-time anorexia struggler, confides in the audience, embarking on a treatment journey. The narrative introduces patients, Gabby the nutritionist, and therapist Yara. Ce recounts her origin as Cece, a girl shaped by societal expectations and low self-esteem. Childhood friend Sammy and well-intentioned parents contribute to her transformation into Ce, the anorexic, and her alter ego, "The Bitch”. Near-death experiences punctuate her tumultuous journey. The play follows Ce's evolution from denial to acceptance, offering a courageous, hauntingly beautiful and darkly comedic exploration of human frailty and resilience.