History of self-harm to play out in new theatre project

A new participatory theatre project aims to aid understanding and reduce stigma around self-harm by looking at historical examples.  

'Self Injury Through Time’ brings together members of the public to collaboratively create and perform a play based on self-harming behaviours throughout history up to the present day. 

Led by Dr Alanna Skuse, of the University of Reading, and in collaboration with Acta Community Theatre and Self Injury Support Bristol , the first-of-its-kind project offers a unique opportunity for participants to gain new perspectives on this often misunderstood topic in a friendly, supportive environment.  

It is hoped the project can encourage open conversations around mental health challenges many face today.  

Dr Skuse said: "Studying how people in the past coped with emotional distress can help us better understand self-harm now. By putting historical self-injury into a fictional, theatrical form, we allow participants to explore this subject creatively and sensitively." 

No theatre experience necessary

The fictional play will cover self-harm from the Renaissance era to present-day self-cutting. A professional scriptwriter will assist participants in bringing their ideas to life. 

No prior theatre experience is necessary to get involved, but project organisers are looking for people with an interest in or lived experience of self-injury to take part in weekly theatre workshops from February – June (excluding school holidays). People do not have to talk about their personal experiences in the group, nor do they have to act in the final performance. The process focuses on inclusion, allowing people to contribute writing, acting, set design, and more according to their interests. A support worker from Self Injury Support (SiS) will also attend all sessions to ensure participant wellbeing. 

The workshops are held at Acta Theatre’s base in Bedminster, Bristol. Participants should be over 18 years old and need to be available most Tuesday afternoons 2.45-4.15 from now until June. Anyone interested should contact sitt@selfinjurysupport.org.uk for more information and a no-pressure chat about the project. 

Image: Foreground - Dr Alanna Skuse. Background: ACTA Theatre, Bristol