We’re seeing more and more stories on the Queensland Theatre stage, and stages around the country, based on authentic personal experiences. Most recently we’ve presented the new works Triple X, City of Gold and now Return to the Dirt that all feature the writer playing themselves in a version of their own life story. But how does a writer look after themselves and separate reality and fiction when they take to the stage each night to relive, what is at times, a traumatic moment from their life? On this episode of the podcast director Lee Lewis is joined by Return to the Dirt playwright and performer Steve Pirie and fellow cast members Mitchell Bourke and Sophie Cox to discuss how they have worked together to bring the gravely humorous new work to the stage.