Empowering live theatre to voice silenced stories!

It’s hard to believe that, in 2026, women’s rights are still relentlessly under attack. The global silencing of our voices remains shocking and pervasive. Yet there is one vibrant arena in which the human voice holds unswaying power: theatre.

TILLY NO-BODY is a solo play with original songs, celebrating the heartbeat-to-heartbeat connection of live theatre, Set in a deserted circus, it is inspired by the lives and love of actress-muse Tilly Wedekind, and her controlling, famous husband-playwright Frank Wedekind (Spring Awakening).

In their complex relationship, Frank robs Tilly of her acting roles and reduces her to a Nobody. Broken-hearted, she attempts suicide. But following her recovery, she reclaims her career and finds her own voice. Eventually as an 80-year-old woman – and after several breakdowns – she writes her autobiography. Tilly No-Body becomes a Somebody.

This award-winning "tour-de-force" is written and performed by Bella Merlin, and directed by Miles Anderson. We use theatrical storytelling to address domestic violence, women’s empowerment, and mental health.The piece is also informed by Bella's own experience of surviving domestic coercion, as detailed in the micro-documentaries THE ACTOR-CHARACTER BOND. In other words, we dare to go to the dark places of human experience, but always with humanity, vision, and a lightness of touch. Our mission is to share the triumph of survival and eventual self-empowerment...

But we need your help…

We have performed TILLY NO-BODY across the coasts of America, from Shakespeare & Company (Massachusetts) to the University of California. We presented as part of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (2024) in collaboration with the Fyera Foundation and its CEO Sheva Carr. Other international venues include South Korea, Europe, and Scotland, garnering an Edinburgh Festival Fringe Theatre Award and Pick of the Fringe in 2025.

At each venue – regardless of language, culture, and gender demographic – audiences resonate with the impact of Tilly's story:

“a reminder of how women can often be the ones to pay the costs for the careers of great men.” THE SCOTSMAN

“an ultimately hopeful tale of identity reclamation and strength in adversity” BINGE FRINGE REVIEW

“a modern classic. A celebration of freedom, feminist energy, and resilience, reminding us why, despite life’s hardships, it is still worth living” (Kunal R.)

“a truly unique work of theatre, with a profound message that deserves to be seen by the widest possible audience” (Monika K.)

“this intense and vulnerable journey resonated with me long after leaving the theater.” (Ricky B.)

“the magic of those intangible theatrical moments when you’re in another dimension together” (Louise S.)

“truly outstanding” (David)

“poignant, haunting” (Dana K.)

“moving and transporting” (L. M. B.)

“absolutely show stopping” (Gabrielle W.)

“Sensational and thought-provoking!” (Jackie C.)

“absolutely wonderful… a finely told story” (John D. T.)

“a thrill to watch” (Robert L.)

This is the power of live theatre. Change may only happen when we create empathy and insight.

And so…

We now have the opportunity to perform TILLY NO-BODY for three weeks in July 2026 at the acclaimed off-West-End venue, the Arcola Theatre in London. We will also be giving educational workshops on actor training and storytelling.

We are looking to raise $18,000, after generous donations and in-kind sponsorships of $5,000 which we are personally matching with a further $5,000.

Please join us in manifesting this next international sharing of Tilly’s story!

TILLY NO-BODY is fiscally sponsored by Creative Visions, enabling you to support a charitable initiative with a tax deductible donation. This can be done electronically through this site. For donations larger than $1000, please consider sending a check made out to “Creative Visions Foundation” with "TILLY NO-BODY" in the memo section and mail to:

Creative Visions
℅ Grace Breuer
1047 Ford Drive
Nipomo, CA 93444

To make a donation by wire transfer, please email bellamerlin1@gmail.com for more information.

(These two options avoid the additional 3% processing fee for online donations)

****PLEASE REMEMBER TO INCLUDE “TILLY NO-BODY” IN THE MEMO LINE ****

All donors will be credited with our immense thanks in the theatre program and on our website (unless you wish to remain anonymous):

RINGMASTER LEVEL: <$100

BALLWALKER LEVEL: $101-$500

TRAPEZE ARTIST LEVEL: $501-$1000

CHILD OF THE STARS LEVEL: <$1001

Even the smallest donation will go a long way to helping us meet our goal for CREATIVE VISIONS FOUNDATION

Thank you for empowering live theatre!

Thank you for giving voice to women, silenced in coercive relationships!

Please join us in supporting real change in the world and making a difference. Help us for CREATIVE VISIONS FOUNDATION