4.48

He

Me, helping to draw out significant words from 4.48, for us to rip down in all different ways 

INCESSANT

Why Is DV8 Significant

How Has DV8 Evolved

How Has DV8 Evolved Compared To Their Most Successful Piece 'Dead Dreams..."

Lloyd Newson has revolutionised the way dance can be perceived by an audience, by experimenting with taboo, and controversial topics such as Homosexuality, Islam ,Sharia Law, and the perceptions of Love and Physicality. In total Newson has created 18 renowned pieces. In this essay I am going to evaluate and analyse where ‘Dead Dreams of Monochrome Men (1988)’ falls in relation to his other pieces regarding Technology, Current Affairs, Politics, Economically, and in reference to common Social Stereotypes. Chronologically - Dead Dreams of Monochrome Men, Strange Fish(1992), Enter Achilles(1995), and The Cost Of Living(2003).

DV8’s mission statement insists on the importance of challenging our preconceptions of what dance can, and should address, DV8 is all about taking risks, aesthetically and physically, about breaking down the barriers between dance and theatre and, above all, communicating ideas and feelings clearly and unpretentiously. “As is usual with DV8, the thematic idea is explored in movement of extraordinary invention, breathtaking risks involving split-second,astonishing strength and stamina” - London Evening Standard. 

SOCIAL

Dead Dreams of Monochrome Men was the second piece in Lloyd Newson’s reel of work, and focuses on Homophobia and Necrophilia. With only a 4 man cast 

‘Dead Dreams…’ was made in the late 80’s/early 90’s, making it was extremely hard, and to find dancers to play these intricate roles strictly because of the controversy surrounding open homosexuality. Homosexuality was a criminal offence in the UK until 1967; before this date homosexuals could be imprisoned, gay males had to risk various punishments from society for their behaviour which was not condoned by the establishment, because of this, many homosexuals experienced conflict: either to not follow their natural sexual desires and live a lie, or follow them and risk exposure as a criminal and perhaps even prison.This forced homosexuals into a world of guilt and secrecy which is still resounding within homosexual culture today. 

This is evident in ‘Dead Dreams…’ as we see the 4 male dancers confined within concrete walls emphasising the themes of Loneliness,Desire, and Trust. During the performance two men partake in an intimate sequence of reaching out and holding each other and finally rejecting each other, while the action is taking place another male dancer observes them, highlighting that “the man” is always watching both men. Newso did not feel the need to try and hide or tone down the homosexuality in his work. Newson was not afraid to use real male bodies, show you the real skin on skin contact and let you know that homosexuality is what you were being witness to.

The use of camera in Dead Dreams of Monochrome Men brings the audience face to face with the ‘gay’ relationships between dancers. Throughout the piece the camera zooms in on close-ups of skin to skin contact. For example a duet in the second piece “blind” shows us a moment where two dancers are stood one in front of the other.

STRANGE FISH

In contrast, ‘Strange Fish’, his third piece, moved away from such intensity that was shown in ‘Dead Dreams…’ by showing a lot more humour and entertainment to convey a different type of message. This piece looks at our hunger for someone to love and something, or someone, to believe in. The relationship of couples and groups, and the pain of not belonging and the fear of being alone. Strange Fish mixes humour, religious iconography and physicality, taking it beyond the boundaries of traditional dance. 

Unlike ‘Dead Dreams…’ the humour in ‘Strange Fish’ is used as a platform for the dancers to address emotional and personal issues of loneliness, self esteem, dependency, confidence, all whilst experiencing the trials and tribulations of falling in love. Contrasting to ‘Dead Dreams…’ there is a clear stand-out character called Nigel, who is an over eager loner who disrupts a party with his machine gun speech, from the audiences perspective this emphasises his lack of charm and charisma, and is shown by Newson’s clever presentation which allows everyone to respond to the narrative. Nigel’s heart-felt and painful self consciousness is huge reminder of the cute awkwardness we as an audience have, at some point, have all experienced. Following on from the speech he then tries to interrupt pairs of lovers, through quick, and static movements, his interruptions, although desperate, panicked and awkward, are at the same time elegant and intricate, but the couples are seemingly drawn back together by a powerful magnetic-like force.

ENTER ACHILLIES

In Enter Achilles this piece shows insecurity, masculinity and gender stereotypes. At first in ‘Enter Achilles’ a blow up doll is used to represent a woman which is later abused and raped, a shocking yet truthful way to challenge the audience.

Masculine movement and stereotypes are used to emphasise the testosterone filled atmosphere, this is so when other types of emotions/movement are shown it is even more shocking for the audience as they would be considered non-masculine or ‘gay’. For example when one man screams into the glass – this highlights the reliabilty and the comfort men find in alcohol  – an issue in society that is very common but not usually addressed publically or between friends.

The rape in Enter Achilles also symbolised support between men and trust, which is again often stereotyped as being ‘gay’ or feminine. However this juxtaposes the physicality the man shows, as he has a lot of strength. In Dead Dreams of Monochrome Men hanging bodies represent that of mass murderer Dennis Nelson, an issue Newson feels is unjust which also.

On the other hand in ‘Enter Achilies’ the male cast is not as sexually explicit reguarding movement as in ‘Dead Dreams…’ but the rape of the doll in ‘Enter Achilles’ still also symbolises the relationship between men and trust, which is again often stereotyped as being ‘gay’ or very feminist. However this still juxtaposes the physicality the man as he has a lot of strength and the power behind his movement. In ‘Dead Dreams…’ the hanging bodies represent that of mass murderer Dennis Nelson, an issue Newson feels is also unjust. These 2 contrasting pieces regarding movement have similarities with themes and sub-themws within the narratives which still manages to present the differences between their messages yet them both being centered around male behaviour,sexuality, and insecurity. This shows that as time has progressed DV8 have moved onto different style of controversey and more intricute ways of choreography to stimulate an audience.

THE COST OF LIVING 

The Cost of LIving was devised by Newson and the dancers, who range from “extremely able-bodied to a man with no legs. A key performer is David Toole, born without legs, Toole creates an incredible performance that really challenges our perceptions about ability and adds to the film’s critique of society’s obsession with image.” The Cost of Living is all about the groups of people who don’t neccessarily fulfill the market value in society, the title is in fact a play on words ‘the cost of living in terms’ of the financial issues and looking at what happens through the eyes of oters as we live in today.

Compared to ‘Dead Dreams…’ this piece is more visually and physcially interesting, and uses a popular music accompaniment, called "Lucky, Lucky, Lucky Me" which is also very ironic in relation to the narrative of the piece. David Toole really pushes the bounderies of the stereotypes of disability and we see this in duets, or as an extraordinarily mobile trunk supported by his strong arms, Toole is both tragic and fiercely comic, seeming to grow from the torso of another dancer, or inspiring vivid dance sequences that are explored by other men in the cast. This piece is more dancefull compared to ‘Dead Dreams…’ , but somehow manages to reflect some scenes as the audience see a night scene in which men stalk each other in a park has the same knife-edge tension and erotic danger as the encounters in “Dead Dreams…”

POLITICAL/ECONOMICAL

Dead Dreams of Monochrome Men was made in 1988, in Thatcherite Britain, at a time of racial tension, distrust of police and deprivation. Gay men especially were under considerable public pressure due to the increased awareness of AIDS, hostile and the biased press coverage regarding AIDS. Therefore “Dead Dreams…” created loads of controversery. ‘Dead Dreams…’ was commissioned by Third Eye Centre, Glasgow due to DV8’s relationship with The Festival Unit, European City of Culture, Glasgow District Council. They were also funded by the Arts Council of Great Britain and Greater London Arts, and the beneficiary of a 1988 Digital Dance Award.

As the years progress and times change the world evolves day by day from art to technology in the hope to make society a better place. From 1988 when (‘Dead Dreams…’) when the first digital cellular phones were invented to 1995 (‘Enter Achillies’) when DVD’s were first created. Through the process of evolution many factors are influenced such as the economy,technology, and politics which have all had a direct influence on Lloyd Newsons work.

STRANGE FISH

Strange Fish was made in 1992 Commissioned by EXPO 92 (Seville), Britain at EXPO, in co-production with the National Arts Centre. In the United Kingdom general election of 1992 was held in April of that year, and was the fourth consecutive victory for the Conservative Party, following the resignation of Margaret Thatcher in 1990. At this time in society Thatcherism was over in Britain.

In times of creative depression, it was essential that artists such as Lloyd Newson continued to provoke, shock and push society to use ther imaginations. When it was originally reviewed, critics were in awe of the boundaries that were broken by the DV8 performers, who took ‘astounding and humbling risks’ according to Judith Mackrell in 1992. Artistic risks are a rare achievement in the Noughties, and as Strange Fish made waves in the performing arts world nearly two decades ago.

In 1992 ‘Strange Fish’  times had moved on but DV8 still had a lot to live up to after the success and controversey of ‘Dead Dreams…’ which Newson’s ‘Strange Fish’ did exactly but by going down the routes of religion unlike ‘Dead Dreams..’ which was very uncommon at a predominantly Catholic Britain. Data shows that only 14.4% of the UK population belonged to a Christian denomination. The vast majority of Christian church members were affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church, the Church of England.

ENTER ACHILLIES

Newson’s work Enter Achilles was created to explore typical maleness. At this time DV8 had substantially more money because they had the most job roles compared to ‘Dead Dreams…’ such as: set designer, composer, lighting, costume design, design assistant, production manager, stage, sound, lights production elecetrician, set construction, additional engineering, tour manager, general manager, uk publicity, publicity assistants, uk graphic design, and photographer. 

Compared to ‘Dead Dreams..’ this piece also had more contributors and sponsors, as it was also co-produced by Wiener Festwochen and the Royal Festival Hall with Dance Umbrella, with a contribution from Bayerische Staatsoper/Labor, Bayerische Staatsschauspiel/Marstall, and the British Council who helped commission the original and revived tour. Highlighting that as time progresses the econmoical side of dance is growing as more companies are getting involved with DV8 and Lloyd Newson brings in more money to keep producing taboo and thought-provoking pieces and this is shown though the production from the elobarate design of set to the graphic designs.

COST OF LIVING

Living Costs was commissioned by the Tate as part of the Tate and Egg Live season of performances (sponsored by online bank Egg). Coinciding with the performances were screenings of excellent film versions of some of DV8’s best works – Dead Dreams, Strange Fish and Enter Achilles –  and a creative workshop programme for artists and dancers. The fact that film versions of Lloyd Newsonswork have been re-created and screened live by the Tate, one of the most well known museums in England. But DV8 have created workshops to involve more dancers and artists which comes a long way from ‘Dead Dreams…’ when it was a struggle, to find confident and talented male dancers to play homosexual characters in a time of misjudgement and homophobia. 

Physically as an audience if you watch DV8 piees chronologically you can see the evolution accompanied with the company over the years, even from a 4-man cast to a full cast, extras and screenings in the ‘Cost of Living’, and ‘Dead Dreams…’ was the start of a postive future for DV8 after triumphing overall out of all the taboo,controversial,positive/negative reviews and opinions from 1988. 

TECHNOLOGY

In ‘Dead Dreams…’ Lloyd Newson uses a derelict street setting of concrete walls to represent the isolation and loneliness homosexual men face, creating the feelings of entrapment and prison for the audience. The lighting is very basic and era appropriate for the piece but still manages to add to the pace and intensity of the piece.

STRANGE FISH

Differently to ‘Dead Dreams…’ Strange Fish highly emphasises the use of costume, lighting and décor to create a powerful visual effect the set is designed by Peter J. Davison, It includes water and a brown back wall covered in windows, which help convey to the audience, that Newson’s work does not always create beautiful pictures, it is often awkward, unnatural and disturbing but also strangely beautiful at times so the audience is drawn in to the work. Another example is a scene that takes place in a narrow confines of an old hallway made claustrophobic by the stuffy orange hues and lighting, but at the same time we see a wonderful use of space in the duet in which the couple move in, around and off one another including the wall. The amazing set opens with a chiaroscuro crucifixion, an emaciated Christ on the cross, ivory face hanging to one side, brown curls tumbling across a bony shoulder, classically naked but for a ragged cloth wrapped around the waist. Breasts hang above the hollow rib-cage, this Christ is a woman and she’s singing a sort of mass later explained to be ‘English backwards or Latin.’ 

The scale of props alone has increased from ‘Dead Dreams..’ to ‘Strange Fish’ still keeping within the powerful visual connotations they may have but on a much larger scale from the crucifixion set which is still able to provoke controversey by being female.

ENTER ACHILLIES

Newson uses symbolism to uncover horrifying yet shocking images that challenge the issues he sees as unjust as in ‘Dead Dreams…’ -  In Enter Achilles a blow up doll is used to represent a woman which is later abused and raped, a shocking yet truthful way to challenge the audience. The rape in Enter Achilles also symbolised the relationship between men and trust, which is often stereotyped as being ‘gay’ or very feminine. However this juxtaposes the physicality the man shows, as he has a lot of strength,force and power. Similarly in ‘Dead Dreams…’ hanging bodies represent that of mass murderer Dennis Nelson, an issue Newson feels is also unjust and important to address the audience with. Compared to ‘Dead Dreams…’ technology alone has advanced from 3 sets to having over 5 different sets in ‘Enter Achillies’ and it all being filmed flawlessly using dolly cameras and cranes which complements the piece by making it more aesthetically pleasing for the audience.

COST OF LIVING

HOW DOES THIS RELATE TO THE PIECE? HOW CAN YOU SEE THIS

In 2004, DV8 made ‘The Cost of Living’, for Channel 4 television. Based on a longer performance piece and was released on DVD in the UK and is now available from all major retailers, e.g., HMV, Virgin, Fopp, MDC, Amazon, and from Digital Classics.  Compared to ‘Dead Dreams…’ fast forwarding time to ‘Cost Of Living’ DV8 has revolutionised within technology from video to dvd, and being premiered on a multi-million pound tv station is a huge contrast. In today’s society you can purchase this performance from leading retailers as it is not enough to see a Newsons work once on stage or once on television, highlighting DV8’s popularity and appeal as their audiences get wider.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion ‘Dead Dreams of Monochrome Men’ opened a lot of controversial doors for society as Lloyd Newson pushed the boundaries of his statement of taking risks and challenging the preconceptions of dance. ‘Dead Dreams…’ openened eyes and minds towards the tribulations and struggles within open homosexuality, and the themes of trust,and loneliness. Today DV8 is still reaching new heights as his latest piece ‘John(2014)’  reaches stages but not only are the themes still controversial but the way he even went about interviewing thousands of dancers with intimate question to physically and mentally give context to his piece.

DV8's ethos is about taking risks, both physically and aesthetically, dealing with personal politics and, above all, communicating ideas and feelings clearly and unpretentiously. It is determined to be radical yet accessible, and to take its work to as wide an audience as possible, In addition to his choice in dancers Newson’s attitude towards dance is that it “embodies denial” and is often “artificial” which is why a lot of his movement is again very realistic but also shocking. Overall Newsons work challenges attitudes and issues that he sees as unjust/opressive by his use of shocking imagery, realism/naturalistic feel, “normal dancers” and his use of the “total theatre”. Using dialogue and song when movement could not bring out the emotion to challenge the issues (e.g. in Strange Fish singer ‘Jesus’ on cross, challenged audiences views as it went against religion in that ‘Jesus’ was a man, but a woman was chosen as she could reach a wider vocal range). Newson still creates stricking pieces like he does such as ‘Dead Dreams of Monochome Men’ as a choreographer and a human being he is triumphantly raising awareness, and bringing attention to critical social issues that he believes in or is fighting against precisely to expose such attitudes that Newson founded DV8 in 1986 upon. 

DV8

DV8 Physical  Theatre

Lloyd Newson

DV8 Physical Theatre was formed in 1986 by Lloyd Newson, Lloyd Newson, Newson studied psychology and social work at Melbourne University. During that time he became interested in dance, he then received full scholarship at London Contemporary Dance School. Before DV8 Physical Theatre  was founded in 1986, Newson danced and/or choreographed with many companies including Modern Dance Ensemble, Impulse Dance Theatre/New Zealand Ballet Company and  many more.

About DV8

After forming DV8 Newson then went on to produce 18 dance pieces, all of which have toured internationally, and 4 award-winning films for television featuring the types of modern day dance. Critics have said that Lloyd Newson’s work  definitely breaks down the barriers between dance, theatre, and personal politics, touching on many taboo topics.    DV8 has commissioned set designers and living composers for its works, helping investigate the relationship between body, architecture and music.

DV8 insists on the importance of challenging our preconceptions of what dance can, and should, address. DV8 Physical Theatre receives regular funding from Arts Council England and is an Artsadmin associate company. DV8 has also received project support from The British Council. DV8 is a member of the ITC and Dance UK. Which are achievements in itself and signifies the importance of DV8. 

”As is usual with DV8, the thematic idea is explored in movement of extraordinary invention, breathtaking risks involving split-second timing, astonishing strength and stamina.” - London Evening Standard

Latest 

JOHN is a new verbatim dance-theatre work by Lloyd Newson, Artistic Director of DV8 Physical Theatre. Newson interviewed more than 50 men asking them frank questions about love and sex. One of those men was John.What emerged was a story that is both extraordinary and touching.  Years of crime, drug use and struggling to survive lead John on a search where his life converges with others in an unexpected place, unknown by most. JOHN authentically depicts real-life stories, where movement and spoken word combine to create an intense, moving and poignant theatrical experience.

Performance

Tonights performance went really well, and i am so proud of everyone as a company. I only heard positive comments, and that it really affected people, and raised awareness about mental health. It was also an amazing opportunity to showcase us as not just dancers and that we can be raw and deep. I feel that everyone connected with each other on stage and true emotion was felt. I don't feel like anybody held back which gives me the confidence and standard that our next project has to raise to as it was an amazing experience. I am very grateful to be able to now manage my emotions, and hopefully that will now come out when I am dancing swell, now I can switch it on and off just by tapping into a memory. i just hope that we did our teachers and everybody from Young Minds justice as they all inspired us deeply.

Vicky Physical Theatre

My Work and Cues

Blue and Kira Duet
"Have You Made Any Plans" - whole group

Me and Parice Duet
Jermaine and Aaron



Talia and Natalie - take an overdose...

Caiman and Kaya
Dalvin and Kat

pick up on Dalvin motif

Mia and Ellie
Moses and Sophie

pick up on Moses motif

Talia and Natalie
Blue and Kira

pick up on Natalie or Sophie motif


Blue and Kira Duet - whole


NEXT SECTION
(take off lab coat)

I'm SAD my solo done by Parice, Jermaine, Aaron and I

Natalie, Ellie,Mia run on and do quartet

Dalvin Moses Sophie Kat come on

Blue and Kira


I am Sad - Parice

I am a Failure - Natalie

I feel like the future is Hopeless - (ME)

I can't contain my loneliness - Kaya


pick up on Dalvin chore

I can't..I can't...I can't

LINE LINE LINE

Jermaine run through screaming shove him onto chair

blue solo


CHARGING TOWARDS MY DEATH



NEXT SECTION

"Oh dear what happened to your arm"

kira,kat,blue,aaron come on stage bullying taunting

whispers

dalvin and parice speech

----- go off stage -----

S.W.O.T Analysis

During the whole physical theatre project, from working to creating the project, I feel that we as a company worked very well together, and were very good at adapting to new ideas. When it came to contextual research,planning, and preparing the company really took on board all of the information and things we had learnt to become very informed characters in away that was truthful, stereotypical and un-stereotypical, and thoughtful. Everyone was able to delve into the script to try and get the best understanding available. Eventually everyone beam very good at tapping in and out of their emotions, as we each had to find our own personal trigger,memory or action that could initiate those feelings. I personally now feel a lot more connected with my emotions and that it is "ok" to let them out whilst performing. My eyes have been opened a lot more to mental health, physical theatre and how to tell Sarah Kane's story effectively.

I think we all really benefited from Young Minds coming to speak to us, as it really did break down any stereotypes that anyone had about Mental Health, and that even though we are going off the deep end and what we area doing is really intense, mental health effects anyone and there is no specification that you have to fit to have any issues. I hope our performance makes Petra and all those from Young Minds proud and not offended in anyway with the darker scenes. Those are my only worries/about weaknesses but I think the show will come together and do 4.48 justice if we all give it our all and just perform.

Throughout the project I feel that we had many opportunities to really learn and be involved with all the research on mental health as young people, giving us the chance to be informed about society. I now feel like I would potentially know "what to do" if somebody approached me with mental health, not even specifically "what to do" but I would not be afraid of trying to help or making things worse. The only potential threats could be the show not being 100% successful because of the lack of emotion. It has to feel very much real and raw. It shouldn't feel like anybody is acting their way through it, as if we are all on the same page we should just blend and connect with each other as a company, which I'm confident it will be.

Incessant

1. Never ending
2. Persistant
3. Unending
4. Unpleasant 
5. Continuing Without Interruption

My Role

I found my role really hard to complete due to time restraints and to needing a strong team to all work together, but that as because all of my team were in "The Revelling" which made it hard for me to edit as there was nothing to edit, and nobody to help me film, also as pieces were still being put together the day before the show, there wasn't anything solid enough to film anyway. I would've liked to film and edit a trailer which I could give to marketing and publicity to distribute on Social Media and on the tv in reception to help with promotion, but there was no way I could have done it all on my own in time. I also would have loved to take head shots of everybody but due to time that was not possible so luckily Tash managed to get some group shots with her camera and some action shots in the lab coats of the Doctors and patients.

For the next production project I would love to get this role again so I can fully work with my team to the fullest and create a really good media platform for the show as I really enjoy media and I know that I could've been capable of so much more, and I definitely plan to be in our next project and hopefully there will be no other things clashing in the run up to the show.

Lesson

In todays lesson Parice and I got to work together creating a duet based on the text "Have You Made Any Plans" we both tried to be as un literal as possible and would constantly run away and then come back when we had new ideas we wanted too try. I found it easy to work with her because we have been close for the last 3 years so I didn't feel any type of way towards being open and trying to connect with her. We also came up with some new ideas for the class to do, I suggested that when we all get to the back wall that we run forward screaming "I'm Charging Towards My DEATH" at the audience almost while we restrain each other at the end, as if stopping each other from falling. This was really intense and looked really effective, so Vicky put it in the piece.

Also we worked on restraining and breaking away from each other, which help build up resistance and anger, trying to drag your partner from the other side of the room whilst they kicked and screamed resisting. This was really hard and fun as I had never done anything like it. Carrying on from this after exiting the room for a break Natalie was the last person to come back in the room and Vicky told us all to stare at her uncomfortably, and it was really hard to keep a straight face and be serious but after awhile I could feel the tension in the room and it became easier, Vicky then said "Get her out" and we all had to restrain her and kick her out of the room, and she didn't know why or what was going on which made me feel so bad but I had to stay in character.

4.48

“Fuck you. Fuck you. Fuck you for rejecting me by never being there, fuck you for making me feel like shit about myself, fuck you for bleeding the fucking love and life out of me, fuck my father for fucking up my life for good and fuck my mother for not leaving him, but most of all, fuck you God for making me love a person who does not exist.
FUCK YOU FUCK YOU FUCK YOU.” 


“Have you made any plans?
Take an overdose, slash my wrists then hang myself.
All those things together?
It couldn't possibly be misconstrued as a cry for help.” 




“(A very long silence.)

- But you have friends.

(A long silence.)

You have a lot of friends.
What do you offer your friends to make them so supportive?

(A long silence.)

What do you offer your friends to make them so supportive?

(A long silence.)

What do you offer?

(Silence.)





“Built to be lonely
to love the absent.
Find me
Free me
from this
corrosive doubt
futile despair
horror in repose.
I can fill my space
fill my time
but nothing can fill this void in my heart.” 

My Role

I was very pleased to receive the role of Media Liaison, as it was my first choice and a role that I feel comfortable in that I can excel a but only with a good team and solid communication to get things done.

My role within the production is on the Media team, they things I would like to produce are listed below:

- Trailer
- Photos
- Editing

As a media student I have the relevant experience and skill when it comes to shooting and editing, as I have previously made my own trailers and short film opening using Final Cut Pro, Sound Track Pro and video/digital cameras.

Mental Health Research

1 in 4 people suffer with mental health issues in todays society. Being mentally healthy doesn’t just mean that you don’t have a mental health problem.

If you’re in good mental health, you can: 

• Make the most of your potential
• Cope with life
• Play a full part in your family, workplace, community and among friends 

Some people call mental health ‘emotional health’ or ‘well-being’ and it’s just as important as good physical health. Mental health problems range from the worries we all experience as part of everyday life to serious long-term conditions. The majority of people who experience mental health problems can get over them or learn to live with them, especially if they get help early on.

Anxiety Disorders

An anxiety disorder involves a "lingering apprehension, a chronic sense of worry, tension or dread". The things that make people anxious are usually more unclear than the things that evoke fear. It’s usually associated with the thought of a threat or something going wrong in the future, rather than something happening in the present. Anxiety is difficult for one to control and can interfere with normal functioning. Anxiety can take many forms such as panic attacks,frightening physical symptoms,flashbacks of trauma,trauma,obsessive thoughts,nightmares, and phobias.

Mood Disorders

Mood Disorders are usually outside the normal types of fluctuations as they can range from any emotion at any time. Over 60% of patients formerly hospitalised with depression commit suicide or come very close to it but may have been restricted. People are not aware enough to comprehend depression which leads to not wanting to receive treatment because it "isn't serious enough".

Clinical Depression

Clinical Depression causes people to feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days. They range from lasting feelings of sadness and hopelessness, to losing interest in the things you used to enjoy and feeling very tearful. There can be physical symptoms too, such as feeling constantly tired, sleeping badly, having no appetite or sex drive, and complaining of various aches and pains. The severity of the symptoms can vary. At its mildest, may simply feel persistently low in spirit, while at its most severe depression can make them feel suicidal and that life is no longer worth living.

Schizophrenia/Psychotic Disorders

Schizophrenia is a long-term mental health condition that causes a range of different psychological symptoms, including: 

• hallucinations – hearing or seeing things that do not exist 
• delusions – unusual beliefs not based on reality that often contradict the evidence 
• muddled thoughts based on hallucinations or delusions 
• changes in behaviour                                                                                                            

Schizophrenia is one of the most common serious mental health conditions. About 1 in 100 people will experience schizophrenia in their lifetime, with many continuing to lead normal lives. Schizophrenia is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 35. Men and women are affected equally. There is no single test for schizophrenia. It is most often diagnosed after an assessment by a mental health care professional, such as a psychiatrist.

Dementia

Dementia describes a set of symptoms that may include memory loss and difficulties with thinking, problem-solving or language. Dementia is caused when the brain is damaged by diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or a series of strokes. Dementia is also described as a loss of consciousness.

Eating Disorders

Eating Disorders are serious and sometimes life threatening conditions that can affect people dramatically as they are most commonly chronic. Eating disorders usually start from adolescence and occur when the behaviour and relationship between food breaks down. Eating disorders can relate to extreme over eating, and extreme under eating, and extreme concerns and thoughts about ones weight.    

• Bulimia Nervosa
• Anorexia Nervosa
• Binge Eating Disorder

Young Minds

                                                           Young Minds http://www.youngminds.org.uk 

Young Minds dedicates itself to heloign young people with mental health issues. "Young Minds is the UK’s leading charity committed to improving the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. Driven by their experiences we campaign, research and influence policy and practice."  Young Minds don't just support young people, but they support schools, parents, carers and the local communities and government in the proper handling, taking care and assistance needed when helping people suffering with mental health, instead of treating them like criminals.

In todays lesson we got meet a couple of Young Minds advocates, who bravely shared their stories with us, and taught us about mental health and their journeys. Here are my notes:

Petra - young minds mental health 

What causes mental health?

- Death

- Bereavement

- Pregnancy (post-natal depression)

- Abuse

- Depression

- Chemical Imbalances

Stella 17 

- found herself in a dark place at 13, went to visit GP CAMHS children adolescent mental health services. Felt suicidal and ended up in hospital, stayed at Maudsley, the mental health act and was sectioned/detained against her will 2 is up to 28 days and 3 is up to 6 months but can be renewed, the authority have the authority to give you medication and stuff. Really intense and risk taking emotions, paranoia and PTSD

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy helped them 

Joel 16

- outburst of anger and behavioural problems in year 5/6. And secondary school didn't pick up on everything until year 11 with exams. Got into a relationship then things went downhill from there, his GP wasn't helpful. The police 136 section him and handcuffed him and shoved him to the floor, and took him to the police station for 6 hours with no food or water, and dropped the charges, dropped them to the hospital and left them in the car park, was back and forth to Bethlem and Mayday, feels that it's harder for boys to say how their feeling and depends on the school and not having a good support system, it is hard to build trust and feel comfortable around people 

Toni-Anne 18 

- started at age 14, as her mum went to prison for 6 months and was left to look after her siblings, age 2 and 6v she felt very isolated and got into a dark place with her aunt, but was very overwhelming. Her aunt went into premature labour and one of them died, her school was her safe place as nobody knew, once she reached out to her friend who got her and went to her GP who diagnosed with depression, lots of therapies didn't help, but she didn't have the understanding to help and understand, her mother and family have a lot of negativity to mental health "why can't you just be normal?" Don't be afraid to reach out as it is better to put yourself out there in the long run 

Extract

I am sad
I feel that the future is hopeless and that things cannot improve
I am bored and dissatisfied with everything
I am a complete failure as a person
I am guilty
I am being punished
I would like to kill myself
I used to be able to cry but now I am beyond tears
I have lost interest in other people
I can't make decisions
I can't eat
I can't sleep
I can't think
I cannot overcome my loneliness, my fear, my disgust
I am fat
I cannot write
I cannot love
My brother is dying, my lover is dying
I am killing them both
I am charging towards my death
I am terrified of medication
I cannot make love
I cannot fuck
I cannot be alone
I cannot be with others

How Do I Feel About Physical Theatre

It took me a long time to feel comfortable about physical theatre, as personally I try and keep my personal emotions at home and at counselling, and almost become a different person at school, where I can come without my baggage until it eventually follows me there. It took a lot for me to be comfortable with my group, and I am, and am not in a weird kind of way. I never really shared much but just being there was enough for me because I really did find it hard to even come in for the lessons as it all felt so raw for me, opening up about all the feelings I try to bury at school, and allowing myself to become vulnerable in a place that I try to always be strong, it was also really hard because at first I used to be really angry towards physical theatre, as I thought it was just a way to use my insecurities, pain and struggle to create some kind of actress, as for me it is not just 2 hours of being emotional then going home, as when I get home none of it ever goes away because for me it is everyday life and not everybody needed to know that which people still don't and I am happy with. 

I also found it hard to relate my feelings to emotions without being literal because I felt stupid as when your upset or angry the first thing that comes to mind usually isn't movement, and it took me a while to get used to the idea but as the weeks went on it became easier. When we weren't being all sad and emotional I enjoyed playing the games and getting to work as a small group, moving and breathing as one, as well as sharing ideas and collaborating with different people. I also enjoyed going through the 7 levels of tension by french artist Jack Le'Coq

1. Sloppy

2. California

3. Neutral

4. Alert

5. Intention

6. Passionate

7. Paralysed

These stages will help us to perform emotively through creative, and experimental ways when producing new material.

Sarah Kane

Sarah Kane (3 February 1971 – 20 February 1999) was a controversial English playwright that suffered with mental health issues. Sarah Kane was born jun Brentwood,Essex to extremely religious chrisitan parents, who later discovered that she was against those beliefs. Kane studied at Bristol University, where she went on to complete an MA course in playwriting art Birmingham University. Sarah Kane used to struggle with severe depression for most of her life, and spent a lot of time in Maudsley Hospital in London, but kept writing plays consistently. 

Sarah Kane was also a resident playwright at Plaines Plough for a short while. Sarah Kane wrote a series of plays which received lots of critical acclaim, and stigma for being explicit, uncomfortable and disturbing. Her first play debuted at age 22 and was called 'Blasted' Kane wrote the first two scenes while a student in Birmingham, where they were given a public performance. The agent Mel Kenyon was in the audience and subsequently represented Kane, suggesting she should show her work to the Royal Court Theatre in London. The completed play, directed by James Macdonald, opened at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs in 1995. 'Blasted' was attacked by news papers and journalists describing it as "this disgusting feast of filth." 

Kanes other plays were Skin,Phaedra's Love,Cleansed,Crave and her final play 4.48 Psychosis. Kane's last play, and most commonly known 4.48 Psychosis, was completed shortly before she died and was performed in 2000, at the Royal Court, directed by James Macdonald. This was Kane's shortest and most fragmented theatrical work. As it was incomplete due to her death there was no direction for plot or character, leaving it down to complete interpretation. When the play was written Sarah Kane was suffering from severe depression, it has been described by her fellow-playwright and close friend "David Greig as having as its subject the "psychotic mind." According to Greig, the title derives from the time — 4:48 a.m. — when Kane, in her depressed state, frequently woke in the morning"

"Though Kane's work never played to large audiences in the UK and was at first dismissed by many newspaper critics, her plays have been widely performed in Europe and South America. In 2005, the theatre director Dominic Dromgoole wrote that she was "without doubt the most performed new writer on the international circuit"

Today's lesson was with Mr Worden who opened my eyes more to what the whole concept of physical theatre is about, and about Sarah Kane herself, and who she was as a person. Here are my notes on the lesson.

Sarah Kane

- fundamental Christian with a church committed family, her plays are sought to be a violent rejection of Christianity and its belifs systems 

- studied at Bristol and Birmingham completing a masters degree, in the same year group as Mark Ravenhall, famous for working at The Royal Court(Sloane Square home of new theatre) her first play premiered there at age 22, The Gate Theatre in Notting Hill, Paines Plough for new writing and Mark Ravenhall made her the resident writer (The Cube) 

- she wrote 5 plays, 4 before she passed away and 1 after she died as it was at the time of suicidal and extreme mental health.

- She spent time in Maudsley mental health hospital, she died after an overdose and hung herself with her shoe laces at age 28. She is one of the most performed play writes in Europe. Subjected to stereotypical assumptions(cleansed/craved) 

Blasted - tough going and received bad critical acclaim for gruesome violence and sickening plot at the time of this play was a response to the Serbian War. 

Influences: 

Saved - Edward Bond

Beckett - Samuel Beckett 

Jacobean Theatre 

4.48 

About clinical depression, Sarah Kane had Bipolar extreme fluxating moods. Theatrical suicide note. 

Can be done any way possible open to interpretation as it is what it is. 

What Is Physical Theatre

This term as a year group Dance Strand will be working on a physical theatre project. Physical theatre is the art of story telling through movement and acting, physical theatre is usually associated with:

• Mime
• Contemporary Dance
• Theatrical Movement
• Acrobatics
• Speech

As a company we are studying Mental health and will be looking at the legendary Sarah Kane's '4.48'.