By George Dixon
Inspirational true-life account of pain and hope
Upside Down Fantasyland is Troy Rogers’ autobiography.
If appearances can be deceiving, the well-spoken, articulate, well-dressed person on stage is the product of true grit, determination and the image of being or becoming “A better man”.
To really understand Troy, or anyone else, you do need to walk a mile in their shoes.
Rogers allows us to do just that, within his 60-minute monologue, interspersed with the occasional short song played on his custom-made (by a friend) Ukulele, we are treated to a master class of structured dialogue, timing, emotion and shading within an envelope of prose.
The audience is silent throughout the performance, transfixed within the events, cheering for the heroes who step up and extend their love and patience no matter what.
Silently applauding the decisions and determination of the narrator’s decision and reasons for becoming a better man. Understanding and recognising the symbols used within the dress code that represent an external flag and recognition of the transformation.
More than this is the concluding dialogue of the 180-degree heartfelt changes that are internal within the mindset and heart’s passion from pure hate to love.
Hats off to Troy Rogers for being vulnerable, for standing in the spotlight, for telling his story with such skill and clarity, and for providing hope and encouragement for others who can relate to his situation.
