In 2010, Nemo Arts ran a ten-week animation project at Leverndale Hospital.
Most of the participants in the project had experienced limited patterns of occupation and had little access to community resources. Most of the participants were also recipients of forensic mental health services at the hospital; this means they are cared for, but also kept in secure conditions.
The reason that this project was so beneficial to the participants was because it offered them an oppurtunity to have positive experiences, which would in turn, hopefully improve self confidence. It was hoped that by creating a relaxed and informal group setting, those participating in the project would feel confident, whilst also getting the oppurtunity to explore new mediums. As the group progressed, Theatre Nemo staff subtly teased individuals within the group, in order to explore their imaginations and develop characters using pre-made wire and plastercine models.
This was an exciting project for Theatre Nemo and the participants, because it is seldom that individuals in forensic settings have the opportunity to be in control and directly influence aspects of their being without some form of constraint. Part of the animation involved recording voice overs and singing which allowed the men to see and hear themselves on screen. For the individuals involved, this was significant and insightful as one of the constraints of the forensic setting that they live in is that the men do not freely have access to mirrors.
During the recording process the men appeared dramatically more confident when acting and ‘in character’. It has been considered that the use of characters provided an opportunity for the individuals to project something of themselves into an inanimate object, allowing them to be someone else.
This stage of the process could be considered from a psychodynamic perspective which utilises exploratory approaches – like play – to assist with the expression of unarticulated emotions. Participants were actively encouraged by the enthusiastic facilitators to work co-operatively and collaboratively as part of a team and have developed their communication skills e.g. the need to negotiate with each other, listen to each others views and ideas, be respectful of each other, build working relationships and provide feedback to each other.
Below is a short animation, put together by some of those involved in the project:
Talking about the results of the project, participants said:
“I enjoyed spending time with my family at the premiere of the film. As a result I have made more of an effort to see my family on a regular basis”
Funded by Scottish Community Foundation, Co-operative Membership, and St Nicholas Care Fund, this community project took inspiration from Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes.
The 12 3-hour preparatory workshops for this projected included script writing, drama, and singing.
The performances took place at the East Kilbride Village Theatre.
In 2010, Nemo Arts worked with people with lived experience of poor mental health to produce Cosmic Breakdown.
The project was focused on using the power of animation to try and explain the seemingly irrational behaviour experienced and exhibited when people are ill. The group taking part in the project – which was funded by ‘See Me’ – discussed different feelings and emotions they had felt when ill. They produced a storyline they thought would help clinicians to understand some of the effects of being isolated.
Here are some comments from those involved with the project:
“It made me confident among other people, and made me more interested in art which I do a lot now. [I enjoyed] mixing with and meeting people, which I couldn’t do before.”
“[It improved my] confidence, and helped me accept myself by people accepting me.”
“It helped me feel worthwhile. It is interesting to hear other peoples ideas on mental health.”
“It made me feel less isolated by learning that others have experienced mental health issues.”
In partnership with Enable Scotland, Nemo Arts worked with a small group of people with learning disabilities where they set about making an animation about their dreams and aspirations.
The fact that the group was able to shape their own animation was very important to the project. People with learning disabilities aren’t often given control over situations, and regularly have their activities shaped by carers. In this project, the group had a chance to clearly and honestly convey their hopes and dreams. Here are their answers:
In 2009, Nemo Arts ran an animation project with members of the public called Woolf.
Although the project was ultimately about the creation of an animated film, there was much for those involved to gain from the working processes involved.
Many of the people involved with the project were inexperienced in terms of animation, and therefore the project gave them the chance to develop themselves creatively, and expressively.
To create something as strong as the final product was a very rewarding experience which gave confidence and a sense of achievement to the individuals involved.
As this was a group project many social skills are called into play. Negotiation, diplomacy and delegation of resources and roles within the project were all vital tasks that were needed for the participants to finish with a successful final product.
Working within the Life Skills unit at Stobhill Hospital, this animation course engaged with patients over a 12 week course.
Comments from hospital staff
“All the participants are now keen to embrace new ideas and suggestions and I believe are already missing their sessions with Nemo Arts. On a positive note it has encouraged staff to think outside of the box with regard to developing the program of activities within the art room.”
“Nemo Arts has a positive impact on patients with mental health issues, it assists them in their recovery.” “I only hope that the New Year brings further sessions from Nemo Arts to the Lifeskills unit.”
“Once again, Nemo Arts have provided a wonderful, productive and thoroughly worthwhile project. I think the relaxed nature of the workshop facilitators added to the enjoyment. The department was buzzing for days afterwards!”
In 2004 the Choose Life strategy taking on momentum and there was a clear commitment to reduce suicide in Scotland. This led to additional funding being available for projects such as ours with a focus on promoting mental wellbeing. This was our first opportunity to start working in Psychiatric Hospitals. We delivered a multi arts programme in partnership with the Southern General Hospital, patients were also transported to our sessions from Leverndale hospital.
Theatre NEMO at the Arches was a great success as it achieved the objective of bringing together all the various mental health groups and organisations from around Scotland to educate the public on some of the taboos that surround mental illness. Represented at the event were organisations such as the Scottish Association for Mental Health, Papyrus, the Glasgow Link Club, the National Schizophrenia Fellowship, Project Ability, Survivors Poetry, Trongate Studios, Glasgow Women’s Aid, the Charlie Reid Centre and the Glasgow Association for Mental Health to name but a few. A huge banner at the entrance thanked all Sponsors and the different parties involved. A beautifully carved visitor’s book (made by David McCraken of the Trongate Studios) proudly displays entries and messages of hope from a very diverse crowd. Also near the entrance are three newspaper articles from the Scotsman, the Daily Record and the Big Issue featuring interviews with Isabel McCue that serve to explain the reasons for setting up Theatre NEMO and what it aims to do.
Theatre NEMO is dedicated to helping people affected by mental health problems to re-discover their creative energies while at the same time raising awareness of a taboo subject. Theatre NEMO is a campaigning theatre group that is designed to help sufferers of mental illness by encouraging them to participate in the arts as a form of stimulation and self-help. ‘Putting Pieces Back’ by Theatre NEMO is a diverse mix of exhibited art, poetry readings, theatre, music, dance and debate. Organisers of the event hope that it will help to eradicate some of the stigma surrounding mental illness.
When entering this exhibition, the first thing that strikes you is the quality of the artwork on display and the emotion that each piece provokes. The work of the late John McCue, son of Isabel and the inspiration behind the event is particularly moving. Most of John’s work is of a nature-related theme featuring trees, flowers and plants in powerful, vibrant colours although there are some paintings of a planetary theme with aliens in outerspace. In all of the paintings that relate to nature, none of the trees have leaves.
One of the more striking displays is a huge jigsaw puzzle in the middle of the floor with each piece representing a cause of mental illness. For example isolation, loss of freedom, family pressure, environment, genetic disposition, type of job, stress, diet, war, bereavement, abuse, head injury, drug and alcohol abuse, bullying and rape.
A stall by the Glasgow Association for Mental Health includes two montages of artwork that reflect the thoughts and feelings of the contributors towards their mental illness. Also featured is a page of writing from each of the sufferers describing in words what it is like to be a victim of mental illness. Some quotes include
“Normality. What is it?”
“Words that wound and hurt”
“Everyone is scared of losing it. The shame of admitting you have a problem. If you admit it you are weak”
Much of the artwork at this exhibition relates to issues such as ethnic cleansing, war, and scenes from the third world, religious persecution and natural disasters.
A photograph that particularly stood out featured and old couch that was half-submerged in a swamp featuring the tag line ‘take a seat’. There is also photography of fireworks, pollution and candles, all in black and white to create a shadowy and atmospheric effect.
In addition to all of the artwork and displays that were put on over the course of the event there was also a play organised, called ‘Out in the Open’. This play deals with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, self-harm, depression, nervous disorders and the general lack of tolerance towards sufferers. It is very well acted and emotive with extremely realistic performances from the actors. Each actor acts out a scene involving a particular mental illness and how there is a lack of understanding, or even ignorance towards it. This was a gritty play that was very well received by the crowd.
Later in the day there was a dance-based piece of theatre inspired by Sara Kane’s 4.48 psychoses. This was a new choreographed dance piece by Hugh McCue brother of John Depicting the emotions, the breakdown and the struggle to come to terms with the engulfing psychosis. New music composed by Rikki Traynor incorporated dialogue and made this a spellbinding piece of “movement drama “ this was followed by guest speakers on mental health issues and a debate with audience participation
The evening cabaret was the entertaining highlight of the day, showing music, dance and acting skills by sufferer’s carers and friends.
To conclude
This was a two-day event that will hopefully be repeated, perhaps on an annual basis, below are some comments made in the visitor’s book.
“Theatre NEMO how can you put into words the powerful feelings the drama, speeches and movement pieces bring to light. This very important subject is not talked about as much as it needs to be, we need more stuff like this thank you so much.”
“A totally unique experience! Can’t wait for the next event! Keep up the good work! Love Jen”
“Why can’t we have more user events like this more often”
“An excellent opportunity for some positive experiences of mental ill health a great exhibition”
“Excellent Isabel wonderful to take part, hope you will have many more” Tricia Mullen
“It’s been a real pleasure thank you Isabel and well done to everyone involved” Shane
“We liked it a lot” Dykebar patients council
“A great piece of work and a great success for everyone involved” best wishes and good luck from First Direct staff.
“Fantastic day the show was great and I’ve met loads of people thanks” Sonya
“I know that what we are all doing is important, but believe me within your drama pieces you paint a picture and “a picture is worth a thousand words” Greta (Together Opening Doors)
“We need more people like you I hope theatre NEMO goes from strength to strength” Gavin
“Theatre NEMO thank you for the entertainment and the insight” Margaret
