FATHER FIGURINE – OCTOBER 18

The current epidemic of mental health issues among adolescent men and boys is being highlighted in a show coming to Norwich Theatre Royal.

Father Figurine examines the fragilities and vulnerabilities surrounding those who are suffering when it is performed at Stage Two on October 18.

The production combines spoken word poetry with hip hop dance to explore the fractured relationship between a father and son, and how they struggle to deal with a traumatic event in their lives.

Can they share their emotions or will they fall into the trap of nearly half of men who struggle to express their feelings?

It is a topical subject as figures show 75 per cent of mental illnesses can start before a child reaches their 18th birthday while half of all mental health problems in adults can begin before the age of 15.

The show aims to bring these real stories to life while also helping empower men and boys.

After the performance, there will be a post-show discussion with a panel of mental health professionals to explore the themes of Father Figurine further.
Emma-Jane Grieg, the artistic director of Body Politic which is presenting the show, is looking forward to bringing it to Norwich as part of its latest UK tour. She said: “Earlier this year, this powerful piece of work was described as ‘meaningful’ and ‘important’ by health care professionals and audience members. I am really looking forward to continuing conversations around men’s mental health this autumn and using our work as a catalyst for change.”

The performance follows last year’s Creative Matters season of work held within Stage Two which also focused on men’s mental health. It included an In Conversation with Karl Minns, one half of The Nimmo Twins, who told the story of his own mental health battles which evolved into the hit show Sortabiography.

Listing:

Body Politic, Friday 18th October at 7.30pm. Tickets £12, and £6 for Students and Under-26s

To book, log onto www.theatreroyalnorwich.co.uk or call the box office on 01603 630000.