Bones brings together the worlds of rugby and theatre to tackle the stigma surrounding mental health, toxic masculinity and gender stereotypes. Through the story of a rugby player on the brink of a professional career, but struggling in a way he can’t seem to fix, the show examines the toll pressure can take on mental health and questions why it isn’t treated with the same concern as a physical injury, when the effects can be just as serious. The show is partnered with rugby’s leading mental health charity, LooseHeadz.
Ed is an up-and-coming amateur rugby player being scouted by professional teams. Pressure’s mounting as his team qualifies for the Semi Finals of the regional cup, but his head isn’t in the game. Ed feels the full weight of expectation and hope, and it’s impacting him in ways he could have never imagined.
Research around mental health in sport and men’s mental health shows that there is an epidemic that needs to be addressed. 1 in 3 elite athletes will struggle with their mental health at some point in their career* and in wider society, 1 in 8 men will suffer from mental health challenges, including depression, with nearly half of those polled (40%)** admitting they won’t talk about it with friends or family.
Bones is a co-production between production company Refine and LooseHeadz, rugby’s leading mental health charity. Both companies share a mission to normalise discussions around mental health, particularly in sport where it can be viewed as a weakness. As well as the run at the Park Theatre, local rugby clubs will be able to stream the production during the summer off-season to bring players together to promote, prevent and raise awareness of mental health within the sports community. This filmed performance will be captured at Windsor RFU, on the pitch.
Writer Lewis Aaron Wood says “This play comes at an important time when mental health is being talked about more than ever in rugby. We want the show to normalise conversations amongst men in the rugby community – and beyond – about the mental health challenges we all face and for us all to be able to create supportive environments where these discussions can take place.”
Bones is at Park Theatre Wed 5 – Sat 22 Jul
