How We Work

Research
‘From our very first projects, we began to formulate our unique approach to research led script creation that was to become the Women & Theatre hallmark. We share stories with individuals (both public and professionals) and communities in a process, which is both respectful and participatory. Our resulting dramas are therefore both funny and moving because they connect with people’s real life experiences. We ensure our story lines and scripts accurately reflect the research but do not “preach”. We aim to reflect the complexity of real lives and set ourselves high standards in terms of creating engaging, moving and thought provoking drama.’

Janice Connolly Artistic Director.

All of our plays and programmes are rooted in the experiences of real people, and we have pioneered a unique process for devising scripts from in depth research. Every project begins with a period of research, at the heart of which is talking to people about their experiences. We may talk to people individually or in groups, in their homes or in their places of work, on the street or in a café …. Anywhere has potential for research.

Responses to research interviews are recorded containing the raw, honest opinions and real life experiences of the participants and reflected in their own language. Those stories and experiences are then gathered together- and from then on something begins to take shape. The notes are then used to form the basis of dramatic scenarios and dialogue. As a result, audiences relate very closely to the characters and situations depicted in Women & Theatre’s dramas. Our performances often provoke, spontaneous clapping and laughter and sometimes even standing ovations. This is a sure sign that we’ve got to the crux of an issue.

Discussion
“The discussion element is great. It is knowledge shared and a great way to learn.”
“The discussion was good natured and fun, the input from the health person was also invaluable and made me realise that they are human.”

Audience Comments, The Learning Curve

An integral element of each programme is the provision of facilitated post show discussions to fully explore the issues raised. These are appropriately tailored to an audience of either health professionals or members of the community.

The discussion structure is relaxed and responsive to the interests and questions of the group present. Audience members initially discuss their immediate responses with the people nearby before we ask different groups what they have been discussing. No one is ever put on the spot or singled out. From here, the discussions flow as people respond to each other. The play itself allows audiences to discuss issues in the context of a particular story or ‘character’s’ experience. This ‘protection of fiction’ and the level of facilitation experience we demand of our lead facilitator, ensures a safe & supported platform in which audiences can respond to the work and discuss the issues raised.

We ensure health professionals are present to provide precise medical information and explode some of the myths. This direct dialogue between professionals and members of the community can also inform professionals of barriers that exist to people accessing services, informing developments to service provision in the future. We will also tour with practical resources such as synthetic testicles or breasts – designed for showing people how to detect lumps.

Because of the nature of many of our plays, with many of the stories ad verbatim from our research, the discussion enables the opportunity to put forward in greater detail, facts and information that may not be present in the play itself. They are developed from human stories and so not always factually correct – particularly when exploring common myths and misconceptions.