An online drama co-created with mental health communities

“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 issues.

Part 1 . Content warnings: references to PTSD and insomnia, warzone footage including gunfire and explosions.

Part 2. Content warning: references to suicide, anxiety, homophobia and transphobia.

Part 3. Content warning: references to ableism, racism and bereavement.

Part 4. Content warning: reference 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