Preview: Declaration at Arts Centre Washington

Art with Heart presents

Declaration

Arts Centre Washington

Thursday 29^th June 2017

A new play which challenge stereotypes with a curious, comic and candid look at ADHD, mental health and diagnosis in 21st century comes to Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 29^th June as part of a national tour.

Photo: Sam Ryley

Award-winning Manchester theatre company Art with Heart have co-created Declaration, a new show on the process of seeking a diagnosis for ADHD as an adult.

Declaration is based on comedian and storyteller, Sarah Emmott’s personal experiences who says, “As a child, I was a coiled spring, bouncing off the walls but I was never diagnosed. My current doctor thinks I have ADHD, but adult diagnosis is complex.”

Photo: Sam Ryley

Women and girls are more likely to go undiagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) as they cover symptoms and ‘act normal.’ ADHD is a group of behavioural symptoms including inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. After the difficult process of gaining diagnosis, Art with Heart decided to publically explore a private matter.

Art with Heart tackle difficult subjects with honesty, warmth and humour, and hope. Declaration will open conversations and challenge preconceptions around mental health and ADHD.

 

Photo: Sam Ryley

Venturing into a world often unexplored onstage, Emmott shares her experiences of ADHD and adulthood with authenticity and candour; combining storytelling, comedy and movement.

“In the media the images projected of ADHD are of young boys tearing around supermarkets, Mums in despair.” says Emmott. “Women and indeed, adults with ADHD are almost invisible in popular culture.” Declaration will offer a fresh, fun and frank perspective on the ADHD debate.

Since 2010, the company have produced numerous theatre productions and arts projects, receiving national attention when 100 Deeds featured on BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour and BBC News. Their work with local communities led to a nomination for ‘Community Group or Organisation of the Year’ at the 2016 LGBT Foundation Hero Awards.

Photo: Sam Ryley

Declaration is performed by Sarah Emmott, written and created by Sarah Emmott and Rachel Moorhouse with Lighting Design by Greg Akehurst. Movement Direction is by Deborah Pugh with Costume Design by Christine Emmott and Set Build by Richard Walker.

Tickets:
Declaration comes to Arts Centre Washington on Thursday 29 June at 7.30pm.  Tickets are from £6 and are available from www.artscentrewashington.co.uk or by calling 0191 561 3455

Tour Dates:

Friday 12th May                   Live @ Oldham Library

Saturday 13th May    Live @ Oldham Library

Tuesday 16th May     Saltburn Arts Centre

Wednesday 17th May        Hartlepool Town Hall Theatre

Friday 19th May         The   Witham, Barnard Castle

Tuesday 23rd May     Alnwick Playhouse

Wednesday 24th May        Arc Stockton

Saturday 27th May    The Civic, Barnsley

Thursday 1st June       Brentwood Theatre

Wednesday 7th June          Cast

Saturday 10th June   Harrogate Theatre

Wednesday 14th June        Action Transport Theatre

Thursday 15th June    Wigan Youth Zone