Theatre gives voice to the homeless
People who experience mental illness and homelessness had a chance to tell their side of the story through a play they crafted and performed at Edward Eagar Lodge last week.
In a collaborative project between ANGLICARE Sydney’s Bondi office and the Milk Crate Theatre Company, people who have been assisted by ANGLICARE Sydney were given the opportunity to come together, share their experiences and build their confidence through the process of creating and acting in a play.
For Christina Riolo, Program manager at ANGLICARE Bondi’s Personal Helpers and Mentors Program (PHaMs), working with Milk Crate Theatre was a great opportunity for the people she helps to talk through their stories and to break down the stigma of mental illness.
“One of the biggest battles we have is over the stigma of mental illness. We hope our clients felt validated by telling their stories and that the audience, having watched the performance, have a bit more insight into their lives,” says Christina.
“Overall working with the company was a positive experience. Just the fact that our clients had the opportunity to come together to do acting was great. Instead of staying at home and living isolated lives, they chose to come out for six weeks on a Monday for two hours to work on something together.”
For John, the Milk Crate Theatre has offered a way to make connections with others and the community. Homeless for seven years, he had come to participate in the collaborative performances put on by the theatre company five years ago.
“I got involved in Milk Crate Theatre because I thought it was important to start building connections and to get a support network. You need friends and people in your life, otherwise you’re back to living in that lonely selfish world,” John explains.
“Doing things like this gives me the opportunity to meet new people, make new friends and build character. It also gives you a chance to get better at things.”
It’s been three years since John has come off the streets. Holding down a stable job during that time, John says his life changed for the better when he managed to get into a unit run by the Department of Housing. Once he managed to secure accommodation, the next step of getting a job was much easier.
According to Sarah Hone, from the Milk Crate Theatre, the practice sessions were a great way for people to come in every week and focus on something.
“It was a good bonding activity and a fantastic way to build self confidence,” says Sarah.
“There’s a great sense of accomplishment for the participants and it offers a creative outlet for people. Some people have great stories to tell.”
