An allegory of addiction recovery: exploring the performance ofEumenidesby Aeschylus, as adapted by 18 ANO theatre group

Abstract

This paper examines the performance of the Eumenides, as adapted and performed by 18 ANO theatre group. 18 ANO is the theatre group of the Drug dependence treatment unit 18 ANO of Attica's Psychiatric Hospital, which is based in Athens, Greece. Each year 18 ANO organises performances in the wider community with the aim of promoting social inclusion for people in recovery from alcohol and drug dependency. Their performances are usually adaptations of classical play-scripts, which operate as an allegory of recovery from addiction. Drawing on Jan CohenCruz's theory of 'engaging performance', this paper explores that the extent to which the adaptation of classic plays can be used successfully as an allegory of the participants' personal stories of overcoming addiction and stigmatisation. It proposes that the act of watching a classical play adapted by members of a drug dependency rehabilitation unit could potentially challenge the social stereotypes and misconception frequently associated with addiction.

Assessing Drama Therapy as an Intervention for Recovering Substance Users: A Systematic Review

“…Drama therapy, however, does appear to offer some psychosocial benefits. Group-based recovery drama therapy inherently fosters engagement with others in recovery (Leeder & Wimmer, 2007) and potentially wider arts communities (Zontou, 2013). As drama therapy takes place over several weeks, it provides structure and time to develop therapeutic and meaningful relationships (Bruun, 2012; von Braun, 2013).…”

“…Clients, he argues, must replace unhelpful labels with a new and valued identity. Barriers to identity transformation can be reduced through adaptations of classical scripts acting as allegories of addiction and recovery; (Zontou, 2013); or through the use of theatrical characters, such as the clown (Gordon, Shenar & Pendzik, 2018).…”

Being known, branching out: troupes, teams and recovery

“…The therapeutic storymaking group interrupts a person's tendency to drift towards a longterm involvement within the professional or semi-professional mental health contextamongst other reasons, because the groups aim to strengthen the clients' ability to engage with greater efficacy with their informal social network. (1997, p.5) Specialist theatre companies Throughout the UK and internationally there exist a growing number of specialist theatre companies specifically for actors who experience mental ill health (or addiction), including Stepping Out (Harpin, 2010), Theatre Troupe (Hunka, 2016), Fallen Angels (Zontou, 2017), 18 ANO (Zontou, 2013), and Outside Edge (Outside Edge 2018). In addition there exist theatre companies for actors with physical and/or learning disabilities, such as Mind The Gap (Calvert, 2015), Odyssey Theatre (Wooster, 2009) and Improbable Theatre Company (Eckard and Myers, 2009).…”

“…Finally, these performances act as a focal point for dialogue. Zontou (2013) notes that 18 ANO often perform before audiences which include fellow service users, creating a space for public discussion of key issues in this marginalised community.…”

“…Throughout the UK and internationally there exist a growing number of specialist theatre companies specifically for actors who experience mental ill health (or addiction), including Stepping Out (Harpin, 2010), Theatre Troupe (Hunka, 2016), Fallen Angels (Zontou, 2017), 18 ANO (Zontou, 2013) and Outside Edge (Outside Edge Theatre, 2018). In addition there exist theatre companies for actors with physical and/or learning disabilities, such as Mind The Gap (Calvert, 2015), Odyssey Theatre (Wooster, 2009) and Improbable Theatre Company (Eckard and Myers, 2009).…”