Shore Break crashing open the door to mental health

BERNINNEIT was a packed house last Wednesday night for ‘Shore Break’: a gripping solo theatre performance that not only succeeded in captivating the audience, but also sparked raw, honest conversations about men’s mental health in the Bass Coast community and beyond.

The night opened with a speech by Cr Tim O’Brien, who didn’t shy away from the confronting facts. Suicide rates in regional areas like Bass Coast are up to twice those of greater Melbourne. O’Brien spoke about the importance of simply asking the question – “Hey, you seem a bit out of whack, want to talk?” His words provided a great setup for the emotional punch that followed.  

What came next was an extraordinary 75-minute monologue performed by acclaimed actor and writer Chris Pitman. His debut play ‘Shore Break’ is a poetic and haunting portrayal of an isolated man trying to make sense of his past while sitting by the ocean with nothing but his surfboard and his memories. 

The show began quietly. The only sound was Pitman waxing his board as soft, reflective music played. He opened with a rhyming poem by Madge Morris Wagner, before switching into a completely different gear, speaking in gritty, authentic Australian vernacular. It set the tone for a performance that felt deeply personal and grounded in reality.

Pitman’s character was foul-mouthed, yes, but also vulnerable and familiar. He meandered through stories of his life with honesty, humour, and pain, his natural style making it feel less like theatre and more like listening to a mate you haven’t seen in years opening up. The minimal set, featuring just a chair, a crate, and a surfboard, helped keep the focus on his words, and his delivery never wavered.

No sound effects. No lighting tricks. Just Pitman, alone, carrying the weight of the story on his shoulders.

Despite the intensity of the subject matter, Pitman found some space for humour. But when the mood did shift, it hit hard. Subtle changes in body language or a sudden rise in his voice were all it took to snap the audience back into silence. 

And silent they were. Aside from occasional chuckles, the room was completely still, a sign of just how immersed everyone was.

Following the play, Beyond Blue’s Paul Milne led a panel discussion with Pitman and big wave surfing legend Ross Clarke-Jones. Both men spoke openly about their own struggles. 

“This play tonight smashed it. Amazing,” he said. 

The night didn’t end when the curtain figuratively fell either. Viewers were invited to stay behind for pizza, drinks, and conversation with the panel. Private chill-out spaces and free counselling were made available, showing the organisers were just as committed to care as they were to art.

What Shore Break managed to do so well was start a conversation without preaching. It didn’t offer solutions or lecture. Instead, it gave the audience space to reflect on themselves, on the men in their lives, and on what it means to struggle quietly. As Cr O’Brien said, “We each have a role.” Sometimes that role is simply to listen.

For mental health support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.