1 July 2006
Location: University of ExeterUniversity of Exeter
Using Theatre to Highlight Mental Health Issues
John Somers has written and directed a trio of interactive plays dealing with the mental health problems suffered by farmers and the effects of psychosis and eating disorders in teenagers. In each case he has worked closely with experts in the field to create an accurate depiction of the problems faced by people in real life. They are then performed to audiences who might encounter similar problems in the future.
Said Mr Somers: 'Writing a play is not the most obvious thing to do in trying to help people suffering from mental illness. However, theatre is a powerful way of sharing experiences and can thereby help people who are, or might find themselves in a similar position, and those who deal with mental health as professionals or carers. I hope the plays entertain and inform, but they also have the more serious aim of social intervention. The reaction from audiences and health professionals has been very positive.'
Mr Somers has continued his liaison with mental health experts and has developed a third interactive play To the Core which deals with eating disorders. This was performed in schools and at eating disorder conferences in December 2004 and February 2005. It will tour in June 2005 and Mr Somers is applying for funding to tour the play nationally. His track record of interdisciplinary co-operation also includes an interactive play on genetic disease, A Present for Anna, developed with Professors John Bryant and Steve Hughes of Biological Science which also toured nationally thanks to a Wellcome Trust grant.
"I hope the play entertains and inform, but they also have the more serious aim of social intervention. The reaction from audiences and health professionals has been very positive."
John Somers, Student
