Theatre for Life’s performance
The Feeling (of knowing something is wrong, but it isn't),
was performed at Mayflower Studios, the play explored female hormonal health and gender identity experiences. It was created using hundreds of voices from focus groups taking part in a University of Southampton research project, ‘From Puberty to Menopause’. Participants were at different stages of their hormonal lifecourse (puberty, motherhood, infertility, and menopause) included discussions with LGBTQIA+ people and heard the perspectives of teenage boys and men aged 14+. Participants shared their experiences and how they’ve shaped their life and identity.
At its core, the play is a cry for help from a community of voices who have felt silenced. The performance aimed to increase understanding around female reproductive health care and LGBTQ+ health care inequities, as well as generate discussion around the language we use to make healthcare in Southampton and England not just accessible, but equal to all.
After the performance, policy makers, healthcare professionals, the cast and the audience discussed the topics raised and how they can be used to tackle health issues in Southampton and across the south.
Among the audience were students from Upper Shirley High School, some of whom had never been to the theatre before.
Emily Bridges, Head of English, said the performance had a profound effect on those who went to see it, adding:
“The response from all of our young people was brilliant – they really enjoyed the show and loved the way the story was told. The music and singing were mentioned a lot – this was a real highlight for some students. It was lovely to hear them enthusing about it.”
Fran White, Associate Director of Policy, Innovation and Partnerships at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, was also in the audience. She said:
“The play was amazing and helped me as a local policymaker, to reflect on people’s experiences related to gender-based care and women’s health services and what we could do locally. There was a quote about healthcare professionals which really resonated with me. It helped to re-energise me and remind me why I do what I do.”
Supported by Southampton Institute of Arts and Humanities, Propel Associate Artist Programme at Mayflower Studios and Young Southampton (UKSPF).
