An online drama series co-created with people living with mental health conditions

“Speak what we feel, not what we ought to say” - King Lear

A group of five people, all marginalised by society, meet online for a creative gathering designed to support their mental health.

One of the group has set up a task – choose and read a bit of Shakespeare. What does it make you feel about yourself and the world around you?

As creativity flows and tensions rise, will the whole group have chance to express what they feel in a space that feels safe for everyone?

Conceived by 1623 associate director Oliver Alvin-Wilson, What We Feel was co-created in lockdown by the cast, creatives, and a community of people living with mental health conditions.

Content notice

Part 1 - references to PTSD and insomnia, and warzone footage including gunfire and explosions

Part 2 - references to suicide, anxiety, homophobia and transphobia

Part 3 - references to ableism, racism and bereavement

Part 4 - references to bereavement

Cast
Vince: Niall Costigan
Laura: Edalia Day
Rachel: Kellan Frankland
Beryl: Caroline Parker
Dax: Bea Webster
Melvin: Oliver Alvin-Wilson

Creative team
Composer and musician: Hannah Ledwidge
Dramaturg: Ben Spiller
Editor and director: Oliver Alvin-Wilson

Access and wellbeing team
Dramatherapy practitioner: Nikki Disney
Counselling consultant: Richard Marshall-Lanes
BSL interpreters: Clare Edwards, Alison Green, Alim Jayda, Elvire Roberts, Catrin Thomas

Producers and funders
A co-production by 1623 theatre company and D&O Productions
Supported by Arts Council England’s Covid-19 Emergency Fund