Art with Heart's
Declaration
A Case Study by Gerri Moriarty
‘An amazing, thought provoking, soul baring play. My 14-year-old ADHDer came away feeling not alone and able to achieve in life. I came away understanding more about how he feels. All we can say is a huge thank you.’
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
Introduction
– Audience member
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This case study begins with the voice of
members are many and diverse. And
a parent of a teenager. It has been chosen
they make work that acts as a wake-up
because it sums up three key aspects of the
call, influencing and supporting positive
company’s work. Art with Heart make great
change; this parent is likely to act differently,
art. They make work that speaks directly
because they understand more about their
to audiences – and those audience
child’s experience.
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The performance & how it touches the audience
In a blog, audience member Priscilla Eyles describes this entertaining and challenging production brilliantly:
‘From having a vivid, active childhood
Sarah Emmott’s personal experience of Attention
imagination that invents fun superhero
Deficit Hyper-Activity Disorder (ADHD). It was
alter egos –; to trying in vain to conform to
created in the form of a one-woman monologue,
being more ‘ladylike’, with Sarah awkwardly
intense, full of comedy as well as heart-stopping
and hilariously trying to be exactly like her
moments of pain and conflict. The audience sat
stiff, demure Samantha doll in a replica
in an intimate circle, close to the performer,
version of the doll’s absurdly old-fashioned
interacting from time to time and this felt
dress and bloomers…In one uncannily
engaging rather than exposing as it might
relatable part perfectly illustrating the
have done.
ADHD inability to prioritise, Sarah makes herself late to work by looking furiously and in an increasingly desperate whirlwind of anxiety for her red shoes that she had picked out specially to go with her dress
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
‘Declaration’ was built on Art with Heart’s co-founder,
the night before.’
Awarding the production five stars, The Reviews Hub commented that:
‘The work of Art with Heart is a must see, the positive change they are making is incredible. The physical theatre exploration is insightful, bold, and beautiful…the attention to detail is outstanding.’
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The performance & how it touches the audience ‘From the moment I opened
over 42 performances was profound. But for people with ADHD, the effect was visceral; it felt like their story was being presented – at long last – for all the world to see and share.
people saw Declaration
42+ performances
the programme I was on the verge of tears, seeing this elusive disorder treated with the importance that it
Many audience members had many years of
‘Sarah challenged the elusive notion of
should be. Throughout the performance
experience of supporting others with ADHD
normality and emphasised the strengths of
I really was tearful, it felt like my life
and found the performance life-enhancing.
ADHD in the form of creativity, spontaneity
was being played out in front of me.’
One parent commented:
and an ever-growing curiosity. It was a
James Woods, an adult with ADHD
‘Declaration has given me ways to speak to my son. We have the programme in our living room and keep talking about it. For the first time in years, I feel like there is hope for my son, and for our family.’ Professionals with specialist experience,
'I wanted to hold my breath, so I wouldn't miss a single minute.' Audience member
who often saw Declaration at conferences
most colourful and authentic celebration and depiction of the agonies and ecstasies of an individual with ADHD… it left me with reflections, both human, political and scientific.’
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
The impact on many of the 3623 people who saw ‘Declaration’
3623
or network gatherings, were unequivocal in identifying its value. Andrea Bell, CEO of ADHD Norfolk has been working for many years, attempting to diminish the horrific stigma attached to ADHD, says: ‘Seeing a theatre show come to our region and it being sold out was monumental. Families of those with ADHD were there and clinicians from local ADHD services
‘It was nice to see grown-ups with ADHD and having fun with it as it is usually miserable
also attended which was brilliant for their personal development – a new modern way to understand the reality of the clients
in reality. It lets people know
that they deal with instead of just theory.’
it’s real and does exist.’
Dr. Tirthankar Mukherjee. MD. Consultant
Elliot, aged 14
Psychiatrist and Lead Consultant for Adult ADHD services explained:
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Taking care of the audience
30%
First theatre experience for 21% of audience
identified as neurodiverse,
people saw Declaration
21%
- Audience member of audience
deaf or disabled
51%
The content of the show is important in
As one member of the audience makes clear,
attracting attendance from neurodiverse
the choice was theirs – not the performer’s.
audiences, people with disabilities and First visit to a venue for 51% of audience
newcomers to the arts, but so is the level of care Art with Heart show for their audiences, revealed in their meticulous attention to detail. For example, in Declaration, the performer interacted to
These attendance rates are cause for celebration, given that, in the UK, disability remains one of the most significant barriers to people enjoying the arts. For 21% of the audiences, Declaration was their first theatre experience and for 51%, it was their first visit to the venue where the performance was taking place.
quite a high level with audience members; whilst this helped create an immersive and highly engaging atmosphere, audience participation is not for everybody and can be both stress-inducing and disrespectful. 70% of those with ADHD will have a secondary neurodevelopmental difficulty such as dyslexia, anxiety or ASD (Autism
These attendance rates are cause for celebration!
"This is genuinely the only theatre performance that I have EVER enjoyed from start to finish in my entire life. Firstly I felt comfortable! I walked in on my own and felt a little bit self-conscious until I saw Sarah going around the audience and introducing people to each other. She came and spoke
Art with Heart's House Rules
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
3623
‘This is genuinely the only theatre performance that I have EVER enjoyed from start to finish in my entire life.’
to me and made me feel at ease. Straight away I noticed she wasn’t wearing any shoes and I looked around and saw that other people had taken their shoes off too, so I decided to do the same.
We want you to feel as welcome and comfortable as possible, so here are a few house rules to make you feel at home:
1. If you need to leave the theatre at any time, you can 2. You can re-enter the theatre anytime
Spectrum Disorder), so may not want to
Noise cancelling headsets were provided
engage with the performance in this way.
so I wasn’t anxious about struggling with
3. If you need to wriggle in your seat, you can
As they entered the performance space,
sensory overload the whole time. . . and
4. If you make involuntary sounds, don't worry
audiences for Declaration were offered
there was a big sign saying please feel free
5. If the sound is too loud you can cover your ears
coloured lanyards to indicate whether
to leave at any point if it’s all a bit too much!!!
6. If you would feel more comfortable sat on the end of
they wanted to interact or not.
This all made such a difference to me."
a row, let a member of the front of house team know
**There is a quiet space available before, during and after the performance. The front of house team will direct you to it. **
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Taking care of the audience
1528
82%
people made use of SPACE during
of audiences used SPACE
Art with Heart's 2017 & 2018 tours
during the 2018 tour
was available to access before, during and after the performance. SPACE was curated and hosted by mental health practitioner, Steph Walker; it was vital in helping to safeguard audiences, offering cups of tea, chat, wellbeing tips and activities and signposting to local initiatives and mental health support services.
Steph points out:
Fellow artists from Eggs Collective sum up
‘The transformative power of art is an incredible thing – but it
what happens to audiences well when they say:
can leave an emotional impact that is often overlooked. In therapy, the grounding process toward the end of a session is integral to looking after an individual’s sense of personal safety and wellbeing. The space for this kind of process in social art is notably absent, despite the intensity of emotions that may be evoked in audiences as a result of some productions.’
As a producer in one theatre venue explains, the value of this well-researched environment intervention was obvious:
‘The man I sat next to (who could directly relate to the subject) was so overwhelmed he could barely talk after the show– and SPACE was the perfect place for him (and the rest of us) to unwind and digest.’
whilst in Exeunt, the online theatre magazine, journalist Maddy Costa wrote
‘People turned up for Declaration who might never have seen anything else, because Art with Heart do more than entertain. They welcome people in, enlighten them and care for them in a way that is truly inspiring.’
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
A major element of Declaration was SPACE, a wellbeing room which
of SPACE:
‘The night I saw the show, in Barnsley, one group of people were comparing their experiences of living with children with ADHD, while two older men shared tales of surviving alcoholism and overdose. It was an extraordinary indication of the connections and dialogues theatre could help forge, if only it put real effort into looking after its audience.’
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Taking care of artists & the performance venue wellbeing of artists as well as audiences. The touring schedule for Declaration was longer than usual, so that Sarah never had to perform more than three shows in a week. Critically, the contract with venues stipulated that if Sarah did not feel able to perform, the show would be cancelled. As Sarah says, ‘When you’re making something that’s autobiographical... it’s hard. So being able to have that one line in place, a clause that says if I really can’t do it, I don’t have to, and if it’s in the middle of the performance and I’ve
The Audience Development Officer for the Arts Centre, Washington said that the company:
said I’ll try but I get halfway through and I can’t, I can bow out, completely removes the pressure. And having it has basically meant I will probably never use it: because I know it’s there, I know it’s OK to be me in that environment.’ This stipulation might have been challenging for venues – although, interestingly, only one refused to accept it. Art with Heart’s care and consideration extended to venues; They ensured that the production budget included a contingency which would cover cancellation fees so that venues would not incur the
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
Art with Heart have a deep concern for the health and
‘Really went the extra mile in terms of getting an audience, which makes a massive difference to us when working with limited resources.’
cost. Performance venues commented on other ways in which the company supported them; for example, Art with Heart employed an Associate Producer, whose sole focus was on audience development.
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Deepening & sharing learning through participation
These workshops play a vital creative role in enabling participants to share
performances, tailored carefully for participants. The first was a creative
their experiences with each other, celebrate difference, develop creative
workshop aimed at adults and young people with direct experience of living
coping strategies, and build resilience and confidence. A parent of a child
with ADHD. Priscilla, an artist living in London describes how she created
who participated in a workshop sums up the value of this.
a metaphor for an aspect of her ADHD, ‘an adventurous, reckless, sociable and easily excitable capuchin monkey called Gerry…… dressed in his signature distinctive fez hat with a peacock feather and tasselled waistcoat’ during the workshop. She explains: ‘Gerry represents me at my most distractable, chaotic, unproductive, immature and restless, but also represents the ever playful, creative, cheeky, curious and youthfully passionate part. By turning that aspect into an animal, it allows me to say on bad days, ‘it’s just Gerry taking over again!’ *sigh* and to have more compassion for this part of myself.’ She explains how difficult it is for adults to access any free support aimed specifically at adults with ADHD and says,
‘In that room, the weight of internalised shame and guilt from years of people’s judgements and criticisms was lifted, and instead me and the other ADHD women there celebrated our achievements and uniqueness unapologetically.’
‘Josh went in hating ADHD and has come out saying he loves having it, how wonderful is that!’ The second type of workshop focused on training – whether for teachers,
young people & parents have
SPACE has been used as a stand-alone
joined Squirrel Club & more
pop-up wellbeing room across Greater
activities are planned
Manchester, visited by 721 people
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
Art with Heart offered two kinds of workshops to accompany Declaration
721
youth workers and those working with young people with ADHD or for staff at cultural venues wishing to improve their awareness of the access needs of visitors and visiting artists with ADHD. Some of these workshops were collaborations with the ADHD Foundation and ADHD Solutions, who have specialist knowledge. A teacher comments ‘The ADHD training course was amazing! The course was free and local enough so I was able to attend. The information was current and delivered in an inspiring way. Really interesting to hear about ADHD and the links with anxiety as both a parent and teacher of SEN I see this most in the children I work with and my little diagnosed boy.’ Participation continues through legacy work inspired by Declaration. The company has commissioned an online version of SPACE and set up Squirrel Club, an online space for children and young people aged 8+, where members can watch a video, create their own character to explore what it is like to live with ADHD and meet up with Creative Director, Sarah Emmott.
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Art as activism
this as ‘a dynamic practice combining the creative power of the arts to move us emotionally with the strategic planning of activism necessary to bring about social change.’ Art with Heart’s Declaration provides an excellent example of what this looks like in practice. It begins at individual level. A parent who sees the performance and understands more about their child’s needs can design small changes that make a big difference to them. A teacher can use the illustrations from the Declaration programme to help a young girl better understand her feelings. A young person can learn more about the positive creative side of ADHD, growing in confidence and sense of self-worth. The
It also supports organisational change. The Deputy Head of Lever Park School explains:
‘It was so refreshing to see the needs of a person with ADHD explained in such a way that meant we could understand how some of our pupils were feeling... I cannot thank you enough for your thought provoking, educational, funny and moving performance. It has changed the way we work with pupils, and they have told us it is for the better.’
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
The Center for Artistic Activism describes
long-term consequences are incalculable.
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Art as activism
Art with Heart were presented with the ‘ADHD Foundation Partnership Award’ for their work in raising public awareness of ADHD.
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
Writer and performer Sarah Emmott in Declaration
Daring to challenge the stereotypes Philip Asherson is Professor of Psychiatry at
Since the 1960s, when the Women’s
King’s College London and Consultant Psychiatrist
Health Movement revolutionised attitudes
specialising in ADHD in adults. He invited Art with Heart
to healthcare for women, we have learned
to participate in and perform at three UK Adult ADHD
that a key to positive systemic change is
Network (UKAAN) conferences in 2017, 2018 and 2019
to bring professionals face-to-face with
to increase awareness and understanding of ADHD
the experience of those who live with
among healthcare professionals. He says,
health conditions.
D
ECLARATION, a new play coming to a Declaration also seeks to challenge the number of North-East venues in May, mainstream media image of ADHD – ADHD is set to stereotypes with a curious, isn’t just a ‘naughty child’ tearing round a comic and candid look at ADHD supermarket, it can be a 31-year-old woman (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), trying desperately to get it together and get mental health and diagnosis in the 21st Century. to work on time. Declaration follows Sarah’s Instinctive, curious, bold and bouncy, Sarah journey from childhood to present day, offering a is a mighty proud square peg which wouldn’t rare insight into how ADHD impacts at different 27 The Northern Echo be such a problem if the hole wasn’t so damn stages of a person’s life. round. Her childhood doctor thought it was Sarah was shortlisted forwhat’son best actress in a sugar. Her current doctor thinks its ADHD. Studio Production at the Manchester Theatre Sarah still feels different, so what will a label Awards for her performance in Declaration. do? Will it change the way you see her and the The production is presented in partnership way she sees herself ? with the ADHD Foundation – who work to With autobiographical storytelling, comedy, improve emotional well-being, educational and conversations with audiences, Declaration attainment, behaviour and life chances through – which was developed in consultation with better understanding and self-management of medical professionals, ADHD and mental ADHD, ASD and related learning difficulties. health support groups – takes the audience on a Declaration has been developed with The vibrant and daring adventure that asks them to Lowry. Touring In Association with Oldham roll around in their weirdness, make a hat out Library and the ADHD Foundation. Funded of it and dance. by Arts Council England. Supported by The Writer and performer Sarah Emmott says: Granada Foundation, Action Oldham, NHS City “I’ve always felt different, but never wrong. Health Care Partnership Foundation, Fowler The older I got, the harder it became to juggle Smith & Jones Trust. n Tickets are available from rotherhamadvertiser.co.uk individual theatre everything and I wasn’t as well as SEPTEMBER I was 28, 2018 Page 30 coping THE ADVERTISER, FRIDAY, box office or www.artwithheart.org.uk pretending to. I’ve known a lot of people who May 16 Saltburn Community Hall, 7.30pm. have battled with their mental health; you never www.saltburnarts.co.uk. know what happens behind closed doors, so I May 17 Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre, 7pm. want to open mine, invite you in with a warm www.hartlepooltownhalltheatre.com welcome and declare that I’m not ok, with hope Entertainment May 19 The Witham, Barnard Castle, 7.30pm. that we might be able to talk about it together. www.thewitham.org.uk Diagnosis of adult ADHD isn’t straight May 23 Alnwick Playhouse, 7.30pm. www. alnwickplayhouse.co.uk forward and Sarah discovered that you often May 24 Stockton ARC, 7pm. www.arconline. need to be living in the extremities of the co.uk condition to receive any sort of support. This June10 Harrogate Theatre, 7.45pm. production seeks to show that adult diagnosis ww.harrogatetheatre.co.uk can be complex, frustrating and isolating, June 28 Bishop Auckland Town Hall, 7.30pm. exploring how it changes the way people are www.bishopaucklandtownhall.org.uk viewed by society and the relief and grief that June 29 Washington Arts Centre, 7.30pm. www. comes with it. artscentrewashington.co.uk
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2017
‘ADHD is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, yet within adult mental health, social and educational services ADHD often goes unrecognised and unsupported. Declaration is a wonderful opportunity to raise awareness and understanding of this.’
Stage
THE
As Professor Jen Harvie explains:
PAY ATTENTION
‘Performative activism imagines change. It provokes feeling, be that sympathy, anger, or love. Its affective force compels us to pay attention, and sometimes to copy it, however we can.’
A Declaration audience member says something very similar, in a different way:
‘You’re really doing something special, informative and honest that I truly believe makes a difference. The audience participation and intimacy of the conversation, it really felt like we were all on the same journey.’
scene
Writer and performer Sarah Emmott in Declaration
Daring to challenge the stereotypes D
ECLARATION, a new play coming to a number of North-East venues in May, is set to stereotypes with a curious, comic and candid look at ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder), mental health and diagnosis in the 21st Century. Instinctive, curious, bold and bouncy, Sarah is a mighty proud square peg which wouldn’t be such a problem if the hole wasn’t so damn round. Her childhood doctor thought it was sugar. Her current doctor thinks its ADHD. Sarah still feels different, so what will a label do? Will it change the way you see her and the way she sees herself ? With autobiographical storytelling, comedy, and conversations with audiences, Declaration – which was developed in consultation with medical professionals, ADHD and mental health support groups – takes the audience on a vibrant and daring adventure that asks them to roll around in their weirdness, make a hat out of it and dance. Writer and performer Sarah Emmott says: “I’ve always felt different, but never wrong.
Declaration also seeks to challenge the mainstream media image of ADHD – ADHD isn’t just a ‘naughty child’ tearing round a supermarket, it can be a 31-year-old woman trying desperately to get it together and get to work on time. Declaration follows Sarah’s journey from childhood to present day, offering a rare insight into how ADHD impacts at different stages of a person’s life. Sarah was shortlisted for best actress in a Studio Production at the Manchester Theatre Awards for her performance in Declaration. The production is presented in partnership with the ADHD Foundation – who work to improve emotional well-being, educational attainment, behaviour and life chances through better understanding and self-management of ADHD, ASD and related learning difficulties. Declaration has been developed with The Lowry. Touring In Association with Oldham Library and the ADHD Foundation. Funded by Arts Council England. Supported by The Granada Foundation, Action Oldham, NHS City Health Care Partnership Foundation, Fowler
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Declaration is the theatrical autobiography of Sarah Emmott, who struggled to secure an ADHD diagnosis in her thirties. ADHD Action reports that about 1.5 million UK adults have the condition, but only 120,000 have been formally identified. With boys nearly three times more likely to be diagnosed, many girls go through childhood confused about symptoms which make them stand out among their peers. Declaration addresses social attitudes and gendered stereotypes, placing ADHD in
women on the public agenda. Young Emma’s doctor put her bold, bouncy behaviour down to sugar. But does finding the right label really make a difference? This up-beat bio features famous tunes, dancing and humour, charting Emma’s teenage efforts to fit in. It won the ADHD Foundation Partnership Award in 2017, recognising its efforts to
portray the condition positively. Director Rachel Moorhouse said: “Declaration is a celebration of difference, and asks how much society might grow if it made space for diversity. “It challenges those who underestimate us square pegs and shares the joy of finding your tribe.” The show — produced by Art With Heart — visits the Studio theatre space at Sheffield’s Crucible on November 15. It tours with SPACE, a mobile well-being room inviting audiences to consider their personal well-being. Visit www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk or call 0114 2496000 for more information and to book.
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Summary
know precisely what they are talking about. Julie Hutchings is a Specialist ADHD Nurse in the Essex Child Development Team. She says of Declaration:
‘I just thought it was brilliant, Sarah enables us to see what life is like for an adult/child with ADHD, and also what happens after diagnosis. It was very powerful and truly thought provoking. I especially enjoyed the part when she described the different emotions that she goes through and demonstrated how exhausting this is for the person and the effects this has on a young person’s self-esteem. Amazing piece of Art!’
‘I cannot repeat enough how important it is to have your story represented.’
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
I want to end this case study with the voices of two people who
And, in just one sentence, an audience member who has ADHD, reminds all of us why this matters:
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With thanks Declaration was ‘Developed With’:
Declaration toured in association with:
Declaration toured in association with Oldham Library and the ADHD Foundation.
Jones Trust, Unity Theatre Trust and made possible by a grant from Postcode
It was funded by Arts Council England, Sir Andrew Martin Trust and supported
Community Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s
by Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture, The Granada Foundation,
Postcode Lottery. Early development supported by The Manchester Guardian
NHS City Health Care Partnership Foundation, Action Oldham, Fowler Smith &
Society Charitable Trust and Art with Heart Kickstarter Backers.
Written by
Costume Design
Sarah Emmott & Rachel Moorhouse
Christine Emmott
Performed by
Video Design
Sarah Emmott
Luca Rudlin
Directed by
Props Design
Rachel Moorhouse Movement Direction Deborah Pugh Lighting, Sound & Production Design
A R T W I T H H E A R T • D E C L A R AT I O N : A C A S E S T U DY
This case study was made possible through funding from:
Meriel Pymn, Lynsey, Freya & Fletch Akehurst Mental Health Practitioner & SPACE curator Steph Walker
Greg Akehurst, Rob Athorn, Aileen Ging, Richard Walker,
Photography
Karen Lauke, Rachel Moorhouse & Sarah Emmott
Sam Ryley
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artwithheart.org.uk