Hadley's Experiment - performed by LiVESToCK
Hadley's Experiment
a multi-media play about hearing voices
- by Chris Johnston
This event has now happened!
A big thank you everybody who attended!
Thursday October 9th at 6pm
performance is followed by discussion and buffet
Hailsham Pavilion
George Street, Hailsham. BN27 1AE. t: 01323 841414
To book your FREE tickets
t: 01424 442435 or e: activ8network@hotmail.co.uk
HADLEY'S EXPERIMENT, a thought-provoking play dealing with the effects of mental illness and, more specifically, hearing voices, is currently touring selected dates in the UK.
The day after he is sacked from his job as a computer programmer, Warren wakes to find three figures standing at the end of his bed. They instruct him to pack his case and come with them as a matter of urgency, out of London and across the country. On the journey, they explain that the world is composed of two kinds of being – 'Operators' and 'Things'. Things are human, they are not aware of Operators. Operators control Things without their knowledge. Operators are invisible. Except now it's going to change. A rogue Operator called Hadley has decided to conduct an experiment. He has chosen Warren to whom to reveal the truth so he can alert the world.
Written by author, director and playwright Chris Johnston whose works include recently published The Improvisation Game and plays, The Bath and Dead Reckonings, HADLEY'S EXPERIMENT was developed through contact with individuals suffering with the condition and the Hearing Voices Network (HVN) and inspired by Barbara O'Brien's book, 'Operators and Things' published in the US 30-years ago (now out of print). The show tells the story of Hadley’s experiment and its impact on the life of the central character. How it affects him and those close to him, especially his immediate family.
"There is some great dialogue and it captures well, the experience of hearing voices and paranoia and the blurring of realities that people experience when under enormous pressure. I am pleased that it links lived experience with 'psychosis' rather than presenting psychosis as a frightening, dangerous and meaningless illness that happens for no good reason" comments Jaqui Dillon, Chair, HVN.
Hearing voices has been regarded by psychiatry as 'auditory hallucinations', and in many cases a symptom of schizophrenia. However, not everyone who hears voices has a diagnosis of schizophrenia. There are conflicting theories from psychiatrists, psychologists and voice hearers about why people do hear voices. The HVN believe that they are similar to dreams, symbols of our unconscious minds.
Traditionally, the usual treatment for 'sufferers' includes heavy tranquillisers administered to reduce the delusions and hallucinations. However, not everyone responds to this treatment. There are some psychiatrists and psychologists who now work with people who hear voices using talking therapies and exploring the meaning of the voices.
"People felt it was an accurate depiction of the voice hearing experience providing insight into the complexity of a service user’s life and how to positively cope. The combination of live acting and video screen work created images which were quite emotional and inspiring." Chris Graham, Director, Croftlands Trust.
HADLEY’S EXPERIMENT promises to provide audiences with an insight into the experiences of those affected by the condition. The producing company, LiVESToCK, is based in Brighton www.livestock.org.uk
Transport expenses paid for people who are members of Sussex Hearing Voices Network or are mental health service users. Contact Su at Focus 01424 442435
