Horsecross
Suzi Morrice, the Drama Development Co-ordinator at Horsecross, tells us about this innovative Exemplar project which originated in drama workshops Suzi started in January 2005. The six participants in this project, all of whom were originally referred by mental health support services in Perth and Kinross are now themselves training as Drama Workers. This will provide an opportunity for them to go on to gain paid drama work and / or community work supporting improved mental health and well-being in hospitals, community centres and with other organisations in the area.
Suzi Morrice says:
'Since January 2005 Horsecross Arts has run a programme of drama work for individuals recovering from mental ill health, managed and delivered by myself, Suzi Morrice, Drama Development Co-ordinator at Horsecross. This programme began with an 8 week drama and scriptwriting project with participants who had been referred from mental health support services in Perth and Kinross. Due to popular demand extra funding was found to extend the project by a further 8 weeks. The project participants performed a short one act play at the end of the 16 weeks. It was a “who-dunnit” called “Murder on the Menu”. A clear desire had emerged amongst the actors to continue this process and develop the script to realise its full potential. Funding was secured and in July 2006, “Murder on the Menu” was performed to three sell out public houses at Perth Studio Theatre. The performances were marketed by Horsecross marketing and the company referred to as a new amateur company supported by Horsecross Community.
The company was called the Perth Extrordinaires and it was their feeling and mine that they should be able to participate without the need to be referred to in a mental health context. Since then, six of the original Extrordinaires have been performing and touring a piece called “Pass the Nuts”, commissioned by the National Schizophrenia Fellowship. It explores other people’s attitudes to mental health, including that of the medical profession!
As a community theatre practitioner I strongly believe that the work I create with people should create a legacy for individuals and communities alike. After the success of “Murder on the Menu” the participants were keen to continue learning and developing their skills. We all felt strongly about the benefits that drama could provide to those embarking on their recovery from illness, the benefits that the Extrordinaires had themselves experienced. Thus, I proposed a trainee drama worker programme. The main aim of this programme is to provide accessible drama workshops for people recovering from mental ill health and providing opportunities for trainees to use the programme to gain paid drama work and/or increased community involvement.
There are six trainee drama workers, all of whom have been involved in “Murder on the Menu” and “Pass the Nuts”. During this 12 month programme they will run workshops with a potential one hundred and twenty participants over three practical placements per trainee. This will enable the trainees to use their experience and skills to empower other people to gain confidence and a feeling of mental well being, through drama.
The programme commenced in April, with trainees coming together for weekly practical workshops in which they consolidate, analyse and evaluate drama skills and workshop practice. This training continues up until August when the first practical project takes place. This project will run in conjunction with NHS Tayside. The trainees will work together, supported by Suzi, to run a 6 week programme of fun drama workshops for participants recently discharged from hospital. In October, the trainees will put on their acting hats to perform “Pass the Nuts” for mental health week before embarking on their individual supported placements with mental health service providers within Perth and Kinross. After Christmas, the trainees will plan, deliver and charge for their services in a final placement. This final placement will be evaluated from the point of view of the participants, service providers, Horsecross and the trainee herself (I can say that because the trainees are all female!).'
The trainee drama worker programme 'is a wonderful idea and will bring great benefit to not only the participants but also local organisations and the local community.'
- Pam Lamond, Perth City Day Facilities Development Officer.
'…so much work needs to be done to allow people to experience drama and the benefits.'
- Cathy Hamilton, Project manager, NSF Scotland, Tayside. |
'I can testify to the visible difference to participants well being brought about by improved confidence and self esteem.'
- Lorna McCurrach, Planning Officer, Mental Health, Perth and Kinross Council.
'We are starting to hear a lot about “recovery” in mental health, and a couple of years ago I would have thought recovery impossible. However, I have now been out of hospital for nearly 2 years, and I think a lot of that is due to the confidence built whilst participating in the drama workshops, particularly managing to put on such a big production as “Murder on the Menu”. I would love to take part in the 12 month training – not only to learn about drama, but to take drama out to other groups and let them see what a difference it can make.'
- Marcia Geddes
'I found a new level in my confidence and a brand new path in life that I never knew was there and that is taking drama in to my life and helping others find that confidence, social skills in their life that they have lost in the same way I did.'
- Diane Bruce |
'I have received inspiration that has triggered my own creativity and allowed me to recognise myself as a creative person, not just a “service user”. The sense of belonging and coming together in a group of people who trust each other and work creatively and not necessarily with mental health issues in mind is incredibly important to me. I can say with conviction that my involvement with Perth Extrordinaires has contributed significantly to my recovery from chronic depression.'
- Jacqueline Holland |