TUE 1 OCT, 7.30PM
THEATRE, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
WHITE
By Koko Brown What are you when you are always the other? A solo show about identity, being a mixed-race black woman and always feeling like an outsider. Blending live vocal looping and spoken word, WHITE considers the concept of mixed-race privilege, tries to connect clashing cultures and explores what it means to grow up mixed in contemporary Britain. Combining clever, engaging original songs, vocal looping and deliciously current dialogue, Koko honestly and openly explores race, in this incredibly vital contemporary piece of new writing. Shortlisted for the Amnesty International Freedom of Speech Award The Guardian’s Best Shows of the Edinburgh Fringe 2018 For ages 8+. ★★★★ "Brown makes you laugh, but then she makes you hold that laughter up to the light for closer scrutiny" The Stage |
SAT 31 AUG-SUN 17 NOV, 9AM-9PM
COMMUNITY GALLERY, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
THE BOTANICAL MENAGERIE: JENNA NAYLOR
Artist Jenna Naylor turns MAC’s Community Gallery into a menagerie of strange creatures drawn directly onto the walls. Inspired by MAC’s exhibition The Hills Are Shadows by Jim Holyoak and Matt Shane, Jenna’s commission provides a starting point for a growing collection of drawings contributed by participants of workshops at the Uffculme Centre and people attending workshops at MAC. The Community Gallery at MAC is supported by players of the People’s Postcode Lottery. Image: Treeline Commission (2018) © Jenna Naylor. |
WED 2 OCT, 2-4PM & 6-8PM
THU 3 OCT, 6-8PM TERRACE GALLERY, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
DRAWING WORKSHOPS WITH JENNA NAYLOR
Artist Jenna Naylor leads several free drawing and wellbeing workshops where you can contribute your own creature to the gallery. Feeling stressed or anxious? Drawing can have a very therapeutic effect, so join us in the Terrace Gallery for a cuppa and some drawing fun. |
WED 2 OCT, 8PM
THEATRE, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
ROCKBOTTOM
By Stuart Waters A visceral, provocative and uplifting solo dance theatre work about surviving 'rock bottom' and the strength of the human spirit. Stuart Waters' topical new dance show combines powerful storytelling with highly physical choreography to present a moving and deeply honest self-portrait of personal struggle with depression and addiction. This semi autobiographical journey of darkness, humour and warmth highlights the roles of resilience and support networks within recovery. For ages 16+. Includes strong language and content of an adult nature. "A truly captivating performance, deeply poignant, with cheeky audience interaction and laugh-out-loud humour" Homotopia Festival 2018 |
THU 3 OCT, 1.30-4.30PM
HEXAGON THEATRE, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
MIRROR IMAGE: AN OPPORTUNITY FOR CULTURAL PRACTITIONERS TO REFLECT ON WELLBEING
By Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance The Culture, Health and Wellbeing Alliance (West Midlands) presents a half-day symposium. Through talks, discussions and workshops, the symposium explores practical ways that cultural organisations can embed wellbeing in their own practice, with opportunities for networking and sharing. Delegates will learn what techniques they can use to improve positive mental health, and organisations will discover approaches to embed positive mental health into their workplace culture. The programme will also include a talk from Nicola Naismith, author of Artists Practicing Well. Open to all cultural practitioners and cultural organisation staff. Please note that spaces are limited. |
THU 3 & FRI 4 OCT, 7PM
FOYLE STUDIO, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE MON 7 OCT, 7PM
HIGHFIELD HALL COMMUNITY HALL, HALL GREEN, BIRMINGHAM B28 0HS THU 10 OCT, 12PM
INNOVATION DEVELOPMENT CENTRE, 22-28 GEORGE STREET, BALSALL HEATH, BIRMINGHAM B12 9RG FRI 11 OCT, 6PM
ERDINGTON ARTS FORUM SPACE, CENTRAL SQUARE SHOPPING CENTRE, ERDINGTON B23 6RS |
Sampad presents
NO BOND SO STRONG By Olivia Winteringham A life-affirming show about motherhood and holding family together when you find yourself unravelling. A mother, a relative, a doctor; three voices come together to paint an intimate portrait of the hopeful experiences and the hopeless feelings of being a new parent. No Bond So Strong is a show about revelling in the joys of parenthood but at the same time summoning every bit of energy not to fall apart for fear of losing it all. Post-show discussions follow both performances. For ages 12+. Supported by The John Feeney Charitable Trust and The Saintbury Trust. ★★★★★ "A moving piece with plenty of heart... I can only see it having a positive impact on society's view of mental health" StageTalk Magazine on Olivia Winteringham's Delightful, BEDLAM 2017 |
THU 3 OCT, 8PM
THEATRE, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
A LITTLE DEATH
By Vic Llewellyn A playful, beguiling story, exploring mass hysteria, loss and the need for positive change. While wandering drunkenly in the woods, local butcher William Williams has an epiphany. He suddenly sees the light. Or, more specifically, two red circles getting closer and closer. He rushes home to tell his daughter, Maeve, and the housekeeper, Maggie. When he arrives, he discovers them gone. All that he finds is a tipped over chair, an unfinished bowl of sausages and an empty box of Belgian chocolates. Can he find out what happened to his beloved family? For ages 12+. "Funny... one of the best shows I've seen this year" Exeunt |
FRI 4 OCT, 3-4.30PM
BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY |
Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery presents
DEATH CAFÉ Join us at Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery for an afternoon of conversation discussing life and death over tea and cake. Come together and meet strangers in relaxed and safe surroundings to discuss all aspects of grief, loss and making the most of life, in an open and supportive environment. Death Cafés run in 65 countries around the world, with the aim of increasing awareness of dying, and helping people make the most of their lives. Death Cafés aren't about grief counselling or bereavement support, but an opportunity to take part in interesting discussions around life and death. For adults only. This event is being run in collaboration with BrumYODO. Tea and coffee will be provided. |
FRI 4 & SAT 5 OCT, 7.45PM
THE STUDIO, BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE |
Les Enfants Terribles and Birmingham Repertory Theatre present
THE THING How am I meant to come to terms with the fact that the thing most likely to kill me in this world is myself? Did you know men in the UK aged 20 – 49 are more likely to die from suicide than anything else? Join Olivier-nominated Les Enfants Terribles as they investigate this rising epidemic for BEDLAM. The company delve into the crisis of identity, depression and anxiety which exists within all of us. They ask what it's like to try and survive in a world where we're constantly told to 'man up' and 'make our mark'. "A talented company with a very sure sense of its own distinctive storytelling style" The Guardian on Les Enfants Terribles |
SAT 5 OCT, 11.30AM & 2PM
THE DOOR, BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE |
The Play House presents
DOWN IN THE DUMPS Bea is creative and feisty. Stiggy is clever and quiet. Both are outsiders. Bea is new in town. She's exploring the local scrap yard looking for things to build her dream rocket with when she stumbles across Stiggy in his den. Will they become friends and pull each other up from down in the dumps? Part of BEDLAM 2019, Down In The Dumps is an interactive theatre performance that explores mental health with children and their families. For ages 7+. |
SAT 5 OCT, 2-4PM
ARENA GALLERY, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE & NEIGHBOURHOODS CLOSE TO MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
MAC DRAWING AND WELLBEING WALK:
SUBURB EDITION Pop on some walking shoes and a waterproof and join us for a walk around local suburbs where exhibiting artist Graham Chorlton will give you an insight into how he researched his exhibition Suburb, showing at Midlands Arts Centre this autumn, and offers tips on capturing the sights from the walk. Graham is a Senior Lecturer in Fine Art at Coventry University. His work focuses on painting in contemporary art, exploring place and memory, photography and the urban realm. Graham has exhibited his work nationally and internationally, and has worked with arts organisations across the West Midlands. Image: Suburb © Graham Chorlton. |
SAT 5 OCT, 1PM & 2PM
LEARNING ZONE, BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY |
Vidya Patel Dance presents
MINDFUL MOVEMENT WORKSHOP Led by Dr Devika Patel Join psychiatrist and dancer Dr Devika Patel for a free Mindful Movement workshop to support your wellbeing. Vidya Patel is a Birmingham-based dance artist who has performed and worked with a range of internationally renowned choreographers and companies, touring nationally and internationally. She is currently interested in sharing her experiences specifically to enhance wellbeing within the wider community through movement and live music. No experience necessary - simply come along and enjoy a new way of moving. For ages 16+. FREE 1pm workshop: Limited spaces, must be pre-booked. 2pm workshop: First come, first served. |
SAT 5 OCT, 2.30-4.30PM
BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY |
ARTS FOR WELLBEING
Taking part in creative activity has been shown to improve mental health and wellbeing. Drop in to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery to take part in simple activities inspired by the museum's collections, and pick up information on their new free monthly Be Well at BMAG programme, which encourages everyone to make space for their own wellbeing through creativity. For adults only. "A great place to escape the bustle of the city and just breathe" Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery visitor |
SUN 6 OCT, 5PM
CINEMA, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
BRIDGE
Includes Q&A with Director Amit Ranjan Biswas Presented in partnership with Birmingham Indian Film Festival, Midlands Arts Centre and Sampad are delighted to screen the international and multi ward-winning film, Bridge. An inspirational and multi award-winning film, Bridge is a heart-warming story of the chance meeting of two suicidal strangers on a Bridge over the River Ganges. Their meeting initially brings great challenges but eventually, ‘healing’ and wholeness to both lives. Directed by Amit Ranjan Biswas as his debut film, made with a shoe string budget and a group of passionate and reputed international cast and crew, this indie film provides an unique transformative quality to the genre of drama. Age guidance: 12A. Please note that this film is in Bengali with English subtitles. |
SUN 6 OCT, 12PM & 2PM
BIRMINGHAM MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY |
STATE OF THE MIND: A GUIDED TOUR OF ART AND MENTAL HEALTH
As well as a tool for social and political comment, art frequently reflects the mental wellbeing of the artist, directly or indirectly. Join us for this fascinating walk and tour through the galleries and through the ages, as we discuss the impact of mental health on art and the way it is received, from the Renaissance through to the Victorian period, and the way in which art reflected responses to the war in the twentieth century. Spaces are limited, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. "This is a wonderful jewel in Birmingham's crown" Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery visitor "Beautiful museum which is impeccably looked after, as were my friend and I when we visited. Incredibly friendly and helpful staff and a stunning location. A win-win situation in any book" Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery visitor |
MON 7 OCT, 2.30PM
THE DOOR, BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE |
Geese Theatre Company presents
SWITCHED ON By the Staging Recovery ensemble Switched On is an amusing, satirical and poignant exploration of the relationship between the media, addiction and recovery. In their latest piece, the Staging Recovery ensemble invites you to reflect on your own perceptions of people who are affected by addiction and will leave you with a lot to think about the next time you switch on your TV. Staging Recovery is an ensemble of people from the West Midlands, using theatre and drama to explore their recovery journeys; from substance misuse, mental health issues and trauma, to experiences with criminal justice or homelessness. Geese Theatre Company facilitates a number of projects throughout the year with the ensemble and support them to perform at venues across the region. This is a unique opportunity to experience the latest performance devised by members of the ensemble. The Staging Recovery Ensemble is supported by the Paul Hamlyn Foundation. "A beautiful coming together of different people finding a common ground" Audience member |
TUE 8 OCT, 7.30PM
THEATRE, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
EVENT CANCELLED. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the UK tour of The Kids Are Alright is no longer going ahead.
Encounter and Fuel Theatre present THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT The Kids Are Alright is a surreal and confronting new work combining dance and new writing, participation and performance, children and adults. When a day trip to the Natural History Museum turns to tragedy, one family is left as hollow as the cold bones of the blue whale. At home, they attempt to make sense of the unimaginable in ways as unpredictable as the incident itself. At the same time, with sound protective headphones and in an auditory world of their own, children storm the stage. Smashing two restricted worlds into one radical show, adults attempt to come to terms with their lives spinning out of control while children embark on a journey of hope. In their unique, experimental style, Encounter shed light on the state that we are in and ask what happens when two worlds converge on one stage. For ages 16+. The content and themes of this production may be upsetting for some audience members. The dialogue in the show contains references to self-harm and violence toward animals. Commissioned by The Place, supported by the Albany, Folkestone Quarterhouse and Arts Council England. "A beautiful coming together of different people finding a common ground" Audience member |
TUE 8 OCT, 8PM
THE DOOR, BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE |
Hearth Centre presents
REVOLVING DOOR By Polly Wright A coroner conducts an inquest into the suicide of Martin – a nineteen year-old gay man. He calls a GP, a psychiatrist, a mental health nurse and Martin's mother as witnesses and asks the question: Why did this young man, with apparently everything to live for, take his own life? But this is no ordinary hearing… the coroner is Martin himself. After the play, Consultant psychiatrist Dr Erin Turner will be in conversation with award-winning mental health campaigner Jonny Benjamin MBE about suicide prevention. This will be followed by a Q&A with the audience. |
THU 10 OCT, 2-4.45PM
UFFCULME CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM |
BEDLAM SYMPOSIUM: USING THE ARTS IN SUICIDE PREVENTION
BEDLAM Arts and Mental Health Festival in partnership with Dr Erin Turner, Consultant Psychiatrist in Early Intervention of Psychosis Bringing together a range of professionals, this symposium discusses the impact of suicide on families, friends and the professionals working in the mental health sector. In a case study presented by Dr Erin Turner and Polly Wright of The HEARTH Centre, the symposium includes an in-depth exploration of the creation of artistic work in order to open up discussion, reduce stigma and support suicide prevention strategies in the mental health and supporting sectors. Spaces are limited, so please book in advance to avoid disappointment. |
WED 9 & THU 10 OCT, 8PM
THE DOOR, BIRMINGHAM REPERTORY THEATRE |
Geese Theatre Company presents
PLAYING THE GAME Created by Helena Enwright Obviously you're under the rules and restrictions of being in prison. So you have to play the game. You know you have to… you can't really be true to yourself. A cast of four take you on journey through a century of maternal incarceration and ask, not only has anything changed but is prison really the right place for mothers? Playing The Game is a theatre of testimony play created as part of a Wellcome Trust-funded research project with the University of Warwick. It uses material from a series of drama workshops and interviews conducted with residents and staff at HMP Peterborough alongside archival materials and testimonies from the past. Post-show discussion: Thursday 10 October. "If you have never seen @GeeseTheatre in action, give yourself a treat. They are truly inspiring" Audience member "Fantastic performance by @GeeseTheatre... Really thought-provoking" Audience member |
THU 10 OCT, 6-8PM
HEXAGON THEATRE, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
EVENT CANCELLED. Due to unforeseen circumstances, this event is no longer going ahead.
Travellers' Times and Rural Media Company present IT'S KUSHTI TO ROKKER: MENTAL HEALTH FILMS AND DISCUSSION It’s Kushti to Rokker is British Romani for It’s Good to Talk. Travellers’ Times and Rural Media launch new films exploring health and wellbeing from the perspectives of young Travellers. Young Romani Gypsies and Travellers raise their voices to bring issues facing young people in their communities into the public eye. They share their personal stories and experiences to inspire and co-create five short dramas aimed at breaking down the stigma that surrounds speaking out about mental health. The films are part of a national resource for schools and mental health charities designed to highlight some of the challenges that these young people experience inside and outside of school. The screenings will be followed by a post-show discussion. |
FRI 11 OCT, 7.30PM
FOYLE STUDIO, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
The Red Earth Collective present Stereohype
CALL ME UNIQUE, LADY SANITY AND TRADEMARK BLUD Three of the Midlands’ most exciting young R’n’B and Hip-Hop artists explore black experiences of mental health using music, beats, lyrics and rhymes. The Birmingham-based Red Earth Collective work with established and emerging artists, people experiencing mental health problems and mental health professionals, using the arts to challenge mental health stigma in marginalised communities. Since 2003 they have produced and curated more than 30 StereoHype events across the country, working with Black artists to stimulate debate about mental health and well-being in African and Caribbean communities. For ages 15+. "Intelligent rhymes and thought-provoking lyrics" Elle on Lady Sanity "Call Me Unique's CMU Experience... the best night out in town" The Birmingham Press "We should be supporting Trademark Blud with every chance we get" BBC 6 Music |
SAT 12 OCT, 12-4PM
MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
EXPERTS BY EXPERIENCE SHOWCASE
Are you interested in finding out more about mental health? Experts By Experience Showcase is an event where people who have experience of accessing mental health services share their journey of recovery. It will help you to see things through a different lens and raise your awareness of mental health. For ages 16+. "Sharing your story is empowering and uplifting - you get to realise for yourself how far you have come, and help others realise that you can have a meaningful life despite having difficult times" "It's a privilege to be given an opportunity to talk about what I've been through - it can help others who are struggling to get help too" Experts By Experience speakers FREE - No need to book, just drop in. |
SAT 12 OCT, 1-6PM
FIRST FLOOR GALLERY, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
BIG DRAW DAY
The theme of this years’ Big Draw is Drawn to Life: Creativity and Wellbeing, encouraging conversations around the role of mark making and drawing as a life-enhancing tool. As part of MAC’s partnership with BEDLAM, they are exploring the powerful impact that drawing can have on wellbeing with a series of events linked to their current exhibitions. MAC's Big Draw event celebrates their exhibition The Hills Are Shadows by Jim Holyoak and Matt Shane. The artists' immersive drawing installations are made in a marathon fashion, expanding across entire walls over the course of an exhibition, and we invite you to come to our Big Draw event to create a drawing on a similar scale. Using the same techniques and with the artists guidance, join in with our mass participation drawing to create a Big Draw world full of strange creatures, weird houses and giant forests. FREE - No need to book, just drop in. |
SAT 12 OCT, 2-6PM
FOYLE STUDIO, MIDLANDS ARTS CENTRE |
BEDLAM SHOWCASE
Drop in and out of any of the following performances in the BEDLAM showcase of scratch, works in progress, rehearsed readings and developed pieces. 2PM: MADEMOISELLE F By Vanessa Oakes Mademoiselle F can't stop thinking about polar bears. A new play exploring the links between mental health and the environment. 3PM: SALVAGED By Caroline Wilkes A journey to the bottom of the ravine as this woman's life unravels before her eyes and she finds herself trapped in a psychiatric hospital. With dark humour, raw honesty and a mind that is overflowing with stories and fragmented thoughts, she wrestles to find and hold onto those elusive threads of hope. 4PM: HEAR ME By Louise Stokes and Nadeem Chughtai Myra, and her darker ‘other self’ Arym have a complex and troubled relationship. Myra suffers from Dissociative Identity Disorder (D.I.D.). Her experience of life is chaotic, disjointed, patchy and often delusional, as she battles with the various aspects of herself, seeking a core self with which she may finally connect with the world. Contains strong language. 5PM: SHIFTING THE DIAL By Lightpost Theatre Company The latest showcase from Birmingham Repertory Theatre’s company Lightpost, a young company made of young black men between the ages of 18-26 from across the region. The company seeks to actively challenge some of the social stigmas and ideas associated with young black men, using theatre as a gateway to create new plays of social and historical importance. |
SAT 12 OCT, 3PM
HIGHFIELD HALL COMMUNITY CENTRE, BIRMINGHAM |
CHAI AND CHAT: IN CONVERSATION WITH
NAFEESA HAMID Chai and Chat is part of a series of informal, yet inspiring, discussion sessions where women come together to chat about a range of topics with artists. We invite you to an afternoon of open conversation with the hugely talented Nafeesa Hamid, a Birmingham-based spoken word poet and playwright. Nafeesa has been writing and performing for 6 years at nights around the UK. Amongst other incredible accolades Nafessachas featured at Outspoken Poetry Festival in London and was invited to perform at TedxBrum 2016 (Power of Us). Over a cup of delicious Chai, Nafeesa will be discussing mental health in the context of her own experiences, especially as a BME woman. For ages 14+. |