The saying “if you don’t laugh you’ll cry” is getting a lot of use right now. But have you ever laughed about crying?

In a world where Gen Z coined the term “menty b” and created a new level of dark humour, there’s still an overwhelming pressure to appear happy. Perhaps fun slang for the mental breakdowns we don’t allow time for is an act of rebellion, or even self-preservation in dark times.

Enter Sunny Tribe District; a heart-warming show that balances comedy with catharsis. It follows the story of a group of Camp Counsellors who have dedicated their lives to bringing sad people back to their happy selves.

Their methods may be questionable, but they have the right intentions. When we first arrive at the camp, it is being threatened with closure and one of the counsellors is missing. Just when it seems hope is lost, a mysterious stranger shows up who might be the key to helping these counsellors save the camp, and themselves.

The high-energy, feel-good comedy tackles modern issues with tenderness and humour.

Sunny Tribe District (or STD for short) started out as a ten minute play which delighted audiences at Short + Sweet Festival, taking home Best Script, Best Theatre Production and People’s Choice Award. Now, it’s been developed into a full-length work for Metro Arts’ 2022 performance season that is ready to turn frowns upside down by any means necessary.

Photo: Imani Andersen.

Behind this development are Robert The Cat, and a select group of TAFE Queensland Acting and Performance graduates, supported by Metro Arts. Robert The Cat is a theatre collective headed by Lisa O’Neill, Anatoly Frusin, and Rosalind Williams, and was established to provide the many talented graduates from TAFE Queensland’s acting and performance program opportunities to perform for a broader public.

The partnership between these two arts organisations is aimed at fostering the thriving local performing arts industry, and actively building the future of contemporary art on a national level. Metro Arts has long championed contemporary work that starts conversations, builds communities, challenges thinking, and enriches lives. This is perfectly embodied by this show,  where Anatoli and Lisa are taking a supporting role and these young and emerging artists take the reins, speaking to the calibre of these creatives.

The resulting work is not only highly enjoyable, but technically great and acutely relevant to the times. This is a show for anyone that has ever felt they’re not allowed to let their smile slip. It’s a high-energy, laugh-out-loud evening where current issues are faced with bravery, good humour, and of course, lots of smiles.

So what are you waiting for? The camp counsellors are primed, prepped and ready to spread some positivi-tea! If you feel like a laugh, book your tickets. If you feel like crying, book your tickets.

Sunny Tribe District is on at Metro Arts from Friday 22nd to Saturday 30th July. Tickets available here.