Gecko, an award-winning and internationally-acclaimed physical theatre company, led by Artistic Director Amit Lahav, is developing a series of events and resources to allow audiences to further explore issues of mental well-being as raised in its show, Institute, as it tours in England. The company has teamed up with mental health charity Suffolk Mind as the lead partner on the project, and will also work with local mental health networks in each city that Institute is touring to.
The project has four strands:
- Something to talk about: at each venue Gecko will hold a post-show discussion with a twist. Artistic Director Amit Lahav and one of Gecko’s performers will be joined by local experts working in the field of mental health to discuss the show’s themes, and answer questions from the audience.
- Something to read: all audience members will receive a programme giving more information on the show and this project, as well as information on mental well-being and pathways to support locally.
- Someone to talk to: after every performance there will be someone from a local mental health support network ready to talk to audience members in the foyer, answering any questions they may have.
- Something to do: at each venue Gecko and Suffolk Mind will run a 3 hour free workshop for audience members eager to further explore the topics of the show taking as a starting point the four characters.
LISTINGS:
HOME / Manchester / www.homemcr.org
Performances: 19 – 22 October at 7.30pm (also 2.30pm on Saturday, 22 October) / tickets
Ancillary programme: 20 October at 9pm – post show panel discussion (free with show ticket)
21 October at 2pm – 5pm – workshop (free with show ticket, registration information will be available on the venue website)
Nuffield / Southampton / www.nuffieldtheatre.co.uk
Performances: 2 – 5 November at 7.30pm / tickets
Ancillary programme: 2 November at 9pm – post show panel discussion (free with show ticket)
4 November at 2pm – 5pm – workshop (free with show ticket, registration information will be available on the venue website)
Playhouse / Liverpool / www.everymanplayhouse.com
Performances: 16 – 19 November at 7.30pm (except for: 5.30pm on 17 November) / tickets
Ancillary programme: 17 November at 7pm – post show panel discussion (free with show ticket)
17 November at 12pm-3pm – workshop
