A new autobiographical play offers a comic and candid look at Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder.
Developed in consultation with medical professionals and mental health support groups, Declaration challenges the stereotypes of mental health and gender in the 21st century.
In the production, coming to Stratford Circus Arts Centre on October 12 and 13, instinctive, curious, bold and bouncy, Sarah is a mighty proud square peg - which wouldn’t be such a problem if the hole wasn’t so damn round.
Her childhood doctor thought it was sugar. Her current doctor thinks its ADHD.
Sarah still feels different, so what will a label do? Declaration is a vibrant and daring adventure of school day survival tactics, super-hero alter-egos and the stumbling blocks to self-acceptance.
Declaration is an autobiographical piece about the challenges Sarah Emmott faced as she sought a diagnosis in her 30s. ADHD Action reports that 1.5 million adults in the UK have the condition but only 120,000 have been formally diagnosed.
Sarah has reported that, in her experience, you often need to be living in the extremities of the condition to receive support.
Director Rachel Moorhouse comments: “They say that variety is the spice of life, until they can’t decipher what flavour you are.
“Then you’re a problem to be solved. Declaration is a celebration of difference, and asks how much society might grow if it made space for diversity and difference.
“Declaration challenges those who underestimate us square pegs and shares the joy of finding your tribe.”
Boys are nearly three times as likely to be diagnosed with ADHD as girls, meaning many go undiagnosed.
Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD) reported “the lack of appropriate identification and treatment of ADHD in women is a significant public health concern”.
Declaration addresses social attitudes and gendered stereotypes, placing ADHD in women on the public agenda.
Declaration tours with SPACE, a mobile well-being room for audiences to take time to consider their personal well-being.
Developed with The Lowry with the 2018 tour produced in association with the ADHD Foundation, a patient-led charity which are the leading provider of training on ADHD in the UK.
Funded by Arts Council England and Sir Andrew Martin Trust. Supported by Greater Manchester Combined Authority Culture and Social Impact Fund and Unity Theatre Trust. This project has been made possible by a grant from Postcode Community Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery.
There will be a free creative workshop on Thursday between 6pm and 8pm for children aged 14 and above who have ADHD.
Stratford Circus Arts Centre, Theatre Square, E15 1BX, Friday, October 12 and Saturday, October 13. Details: 020 8279 1080, stratford-circus.com
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