The thematisation of mental and physical issues in contemporary devised theatre

Abstract

This dissertation focuses on the thematisation of mental and physical issues in performance, mainly as subject matter and its portrayal in theatrical presentation. It focuses on the kind of techniques and processes practitioners use in order to create a performance revolving around such themes. Chapter three and Chapter four tackle two mental health case studies from performances which foreground anorexia and schizophrenia respectively: these are by Caroline Horton and Fiona Geddes. Chapter five refers to sacral agenesis, specifically highlighting the physical abilities and career of dancer David Toole. The discussion is informed via links with two historical figures in theatre studies: Antonin Artaud and Sarah Kane. To this end, the topic of this dissertation refers to a prominent issue in the current climate of social awareness, inclusion, and empowerment. My aim is to generate a better understanding of the experiences of those practitioners who have suffered from, or have researched in depth about, mental and/or physical issues, and how they managed to transform them into a performance. My research was guided by: (1) books and online resources; (2) interviews with practitioners; and (3) observation of performances. All three performances are considered as contemporary devised theatre which also interplay with applied theatre.