Nervous Breakdown in G Minor

How do you pursue an art form you love when you no longer feel you belong? In this solo show with live music, Lewis Rawlinson traces his journey through queerness, addiction and mental health. Nervous Breakdown in G Minor is a lyrical autobiography about growing up Mormon in Montana, training as a classical cellist and confronting the realities of pursuing a life in music.

Lewis interweaves storytelling with a live performance of a four-movement cello sonata, a turbulent work that mirrors his path from discovery and joy through doubt and collapse to rebirth. The result is a raw exploration of identity and a reclamation of narrative—seeking a more honest, and ultimately universal, connection to music.

Nervous Breakdown in G Minor recently completed a critically acclaimed run at the Winnipeg Fringe Festival. The show was also the recipient of a 2023 Chicago DCASE Grant and was performed at The Den Theatre and Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre.

THE ARTISTS

Written and performed by Lewis Rawlinson
Piano performed by Mo Xo
Directed by Stephanie Rogers
Developed with Arlene Malinowski