Treading the boards to recovery at Glen Valley House

A man in a red t-shirt sits on a couch with a man in a black shirt and a white beard. Text overlaid: Treading the boards to recovery at Glen Valley House
Written by Emerging Futures

Promoting healing through performance

At Emerging Futures’ Glen Valley House in Rossendale, Lancashire, residents are gearing up to share their personal stories of addiction and recovery with the community, thanks to a unique partnership with local theatre group Horse + Bamboo.

Performance art can be incredibly impactful for individuals in recovery, offering them a platform to share emotions, stories and challenges in a supportive environment. It also plays a vital role in connecting with the broader community, challenging stereotypes and promoting acceptance.

EXPLORING THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THEATRE AND RECOVERY.

And so the idea was born – to create a performance piece that would not only showcase the residents’ talents but also amplify their voices and experiences. With the support of Horse + Bamboo, the Glen Valley House community embarked on a six-month journey of crafting scenes from their own lives and bringing their stories to life for the stage.

Glen Valley House has a long-cherished partnership with Horse + Bamboo. What started as a shared space at the theatre for a community café run by residents has blossomed into something much more profound – a platform for expression, healing and understanding.

“Our residents have so many wonderful talents – we have teachers, poets, writers, singers, you name it,” says Steve McCluskie, Team Leader at Glen Valley House. “Their words speak of recovery, of struggle, of resilience. We knew we had to do something with all this amazing creative energy.”

The result? ‘Recovery: The Truth of the Journey’, a mosaic of short stories woven together by the residents themselves. Set in a support group, the play moves from harrowing hospital scenes and chaotic party flashbacks to moments of relapse – each vignette offering a glimpse into the complexities of addiction and recovery.

But this project is about more than just performance, it’s a vehicle for empowerment. “The script is completely in the residents’ words, expressing their lived experiences,” says Steve. “It’s a chance for them to reclaim their narratives, to be truly heard and seen.”

The project is part of Horse + Bamboo’s Making a Change programme, which aims to engage underrepresented groups in the arts. Actor Sam Beagley says: “Working on this has deepened my respect for individuals in recovery. I’ve gained a profound appreciation for the challenges they face.”

Which is why, at Emerging Futures, we see that the ongoing funding cuts to the arts, which continue to sweep across the UK today, will have far-reaching consequences for the individuals and local communities who use creativity as a therapeutic tool.

BREAKING BOUNDARIES, SHARING STORIES, EMPOWERING PEOPLE.

As well as drama sessions, the residents have had the opportunity to delve into various aspects of performance, including script development and acting techniques. Not everyone feels comfortable on stage, so the learning process has extended to things like lighting design, stage management, event promotion and front of house.

Navigating through potentially triggering subject matter hasn’t been easy, but careful planning and open communication have ensured a safe space for all involved. “We’ve had frank discussions about boundaries and comfort levels,” says Steve. “But the residents have taken ownership of their stories, embracing the opportunity to shed light on the realities of addiction.”

As the performance date approaches, anticipation is building. “The play has given us the opportunity to express ourselves and to show that there is suffering on all sides with addiction,” says a resident at Glen Valley House. “We want to break stereotypes and raise awareness. The play allows us to do this.”

Looking ahead, there’s a desire to continue exploring the intersection of art and recovery. “It’d be a shame not to,” says Steve with a smile. “The theatre has become a place where creativity flourishes and voices are heard.”

So get ready – Glen Valley House’s collaboration with Horse + Bamboo is bold and unfiltered, and confronts real-life trauma head-on. Most importantly, though, it aims to dismantle societal barriers and help participants reclaim their identity as valued members of the community.

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Venue: Horse + Bamboo, Waterfoot, Rossendale, BB4 7HB

Date: 26th April 2024

Time: Doors open at 6pm; play starts at 7pm and lasts for 30 minutes

 General admission: £5, PWYC available

For more information about ‘Recovery: The Truth of the Journey’ and about Horse + Bamboo, please visit the theatre group’s website here.

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