Details

Head-Rot Holiday, first performed by Clean Break Theatre Company in 1992. "With the help of WISH (Women in Special Hospitals) Clean Break set up a research period, during which I was able to talk to ex-patients, psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, social workers and solicitors, which enabled me to find a focus for writing about the treatment women receive in those places." - Sarah Daniels. The result was Head-Rot Holiday. December 1991. In a special hospital for the criminally insane, three women prepare for the Christmas disco. The parole board's recipe for early release: put on a dress, wear some make-up... and dance with a rapist or killer of your choice. Ruth hears voices but distracts herself with karaoke. Claudia defies the racist nurses and longs to see her children. Dee applies mascara for the first time and is paid a visit by an angel. Behind iron bars, the patients and nurses of Penwell Hospital ask: in such a topsy-turvy world, who are you to say that I'm insane? With contributions from mental health charities and prison reform groups, this production celebrates how far our attitudes to mental health have evolved whilst providing a platform for discussion on the work that is left to do.

Creatives/Company

Author: Sarah Daniels
Producer: Weighed In Productions (in association with CARBON)
Director: Will Maynard