The documentary show Stroke returns! A heartwarming yet bittersweet production, it received three nominations for the Gríman Theatre Awards 2024 in the categories of Show of the Year, Leading Actress, and Incentive of the Year.

The performing arts group Trigger Warning returns with this unique healing show that leaves no one untouched. It tells a personal story that is especially relevant to those who have experienced a stroke, either firsthand or as a first of kin.

When Virginia woke up from a stroke, her world looked like a scene from a clown show. Aphasia made her a prisoner in her own body and the most everyday actions became a challenge. The stroke

changed everything in Virginia's life, and the experience has proved difficult to explain. Before the stroke, Virginia worked for years as a professional clown in hospitals in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Her job was to brighten the days of chronically ill children and people with dementia. Today, she is on the other side of the table and simply doesn't know whether to cry or laugh at the absurdity. Virginia's husband, Sæmundur, also had to face a new reality and figure out his role as a next of kin. Together, they soon realized that humor was the best remedy in a reality that had been turned upside down.

In the show, Virginia and Sæmi, as the clowns Cookie and It, tread between humor and pathos, tenderly highlighting the absurdities and challenges of navigating life after a stroke. That story is also woven together with Virginia's world of experience from the theater and her worldview in relation to the function of the clown. The result is a unique weave of trauma, the magic of creativity, caring and resilience.

Stroke is a devised theater performance based on a true story by Virginia Gillard and the performing arts group, Trigger Warning.

Co-performed and stage managed by Virginia’s husband, Sæmundur Andrésson.

Direction and dramaturgy by Andrea Elínar Vilhjálmsdóttir and Kara Hergils Valdimarsdóttir.

Original music by Ingibjörg Ýr Skarphéðinsdóttir.

Costume and stage design by Brynja Björnsdóttir.

Lighting design by Jóhann Friðriksson.

Technician: Kristín Hrönn Waage. Assistant of sound technician: Valgerður Embla Grétarsdóttir. Intern and assistant to the production: Olga Maggý Winther.

Stroke premiered in November 2023 with support from the Icelandic Performing Arts Fund and the Artists‘ Salary Fund.

Trigger Warning is an Icelandic theater and performance group founded in 2016. We focus on bold storytelling. Using devised methods, we collaboratively create our shows, allowing for a dynamic and organic development of narratives. Our productions, including Velkomin heim, which reflects on navigating identity and belonging between two cultures, Stroke, which tackles trauma and recovery, and Hún Pabbi, which engages with gender and sexuality, are also rooted in documentary theater. This approach adds depth and authenticity, resonating deeply with audiences. Through a unique blend of multimedia elements and intimate storytelling, we strive to create thought-provoking theater that invites reflection and understanding.

Virginia Gillard is a British-born actress, clown and poet based in Iceland. Her career started in Australia, before studying physical theatre and clowning in Switzerland, France and England where she refined her skills. In the year 2000 Virginia began work as a clown-doctor in a program called Hearts and Minds for children in hospitals and another program called Elderflowers for elderly patients with dementia. In Iceland she performed in HVÍTT a theatre show for children and contributed to many theatre companies such as Góðir gestir, Gaflaraleikhúsið and Leikhús barnanna. The latter being a children's theatre group within the Landakotsskóli school, where Virginia also worked as a theatre teacher. She has also appeared in various Icelandic TV, films and sketches. With a rich and diverse career, Virginia continues to inspire and engage through her commitment to the arts.

Sæmundur Andrésson is an Icelandic performer, clown and set builder best known for co-starring alongside his wife, Virginia Gillard, in the theatrical production "Stroke." Sæmundur playing the role of the stagehand clown, It. His career in the arts began when he performed in various theatre productions in Iceland and then proceeded to work as a set builder in both Britain and Iceland for major companies. Creating commercial, non commercial, theatre, television and film sets. He worked hand in hand with Virginia Gillard producing and putting on theatre shows. Sæmundur's collaboration with Virginia in this project highlights his dedication to the performing arts and his support for Virginia's artistic expression.

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"It’s always a special treat for a theater enthusiast when different artistic methods work together as an unbroken whole, not least because it is not an easy task. Here, everything works out. Well-made and carefully selected videos from documentary theater, excellent design of visuals and audio, all combined with the clown's magic. Last but not least, Virginia’s generous and brave performance as she shares her most painful life experience in a way that will be unforgettable.”

• Þorgeir Tryggvason, Morgunblaðinu

“Virginia as Cookie is hilarious. She manages to use humor beyond language and with facial expressions, tone of voice and reactions artfully tickles the laughing nerves.”

• Eva Halldóra Guðmundsdóttir, Víðsjá

This show is so beautiful, so human, so deep and sincere and lovely. Virginia gives us such a beautiful gift by stepping on stage and telling her story.

• Sjöfn Asare, Lestarklefinn

“The entire artistic direction is made up by effortless quality”

• Sigríður Jónsdóttir, Heimildin