Reflections on The Eradication of Schizophrenia in Western Lapland : a conversation between David Woods and Jon Haynes of Ridiculusmus with commentary by Richard Talbot

Talbot, Richard

Abstract

This is a collection of eight short sections of dialogue taken from a longer reflection on the creative process, of Ridiculusmus Theatre Company. The sections predominantly focus on the making and touring of The Eradication of Schizophrenia in Western Lapland (2014).As theatre makers Ridiculusmus’s have advertised their powerful commitment to comical mischief. Nevertheless, a series of recent productions have demonstrated a serious preoccupation with the problematics of representing mental illness on stage. Artistic directors David Woods and Jon Haynes have become increasingly involved in discourses around medical provision for mental ill health and the impact on individuals and families. Ridiculusmus have also worked with academics at the cutting edge of research into clinical therapies and invited them to post-show discussions and other public engagement activities. Woods and Haynes claim now to have rejected both ‘mad acting’ and acting ‘mad’. This chapter anaylses their approach to acting and argues that their work has made an important contribution to the public awareness of the latest approaches available to mental illness diagnosis and treatment.

• Publication Date: Feb 7, 2019
• Deposit Date: Oct 5, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 5, 2021
• Pages: 167-187
• Book Title: Performing Psychologies : Imagination, Creativity and Dramas of the Mind
• ISBN: 9781474260862
• Publisher URL: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/performing-psychologies-9781474260862/