For forty years, Alistair Izobell has captivated audiences with his effervescent dancing and vibrant stage personality.
A veteran performer and producer, Izobell became a household name as a nine-year-old boy in the musical "District Six" and later gained fame with his hit cover of "Venus" in 1993.
His impressive theatre credits include performances in "Kat and the Kings," "The Buddy Holly Story," and "The Doo Wha Boys." He has also co-written "Remembering the Lux" and produced countless shows, leaving audiences with lifelong memories.
Throughout his career, Izobell has introduced new talent to the industry, nurtured existing artists, and even penned theme songs for soap operas and a song for an internationally Grammy Award-winning group.
However, behind the spotlight, there was a darker reality. Unbeknownst to him, Alistair was grappling with depression, feeling the walls close in around him. The patriarchal system that society has become accustomed to weighed heavily on him, particularly following a massive betrayal in his life.
The pressure became unbearable, leading to a tragic moment on 13th September 2023, when Alistair attempted to take his own life. This harrowing experience forced him to confront the myriad of emotions and decisions that had shaped his life since entering show business at such a young age.
Now, having survived this attempt, Alistair is on a long road to recovery and healing. He is determined to rediscover his smile and freedom, believing that nothing can stop him from achieving this goal.
His self-published book, "Broken to Heal," emerged from his therapy sessions and his desire to become a better person. The book is a collection of anecdotes that invites readers into the life of a performer who, despite his fame, was just a normal child, husband, father, and friend.
"Broken to Heal" aims to encourage those who appreciate the work of performers to think more deeply about the emotional journeys that creatives endure to bring beauty to their art.
It serves as a reminder that behind the curtains, there is a real human being facing the same life challenges as everyone else.
The book also extends a hand of hope to those suffering from depression, reassuring them that they are not alone and that help is available. Alistair's story is a testament to resilience, reminding us all that even in our darkest moments, there is a path to healing and belonging.
Weekend Argus