The Staging Recovery ensemble is for people who identify as being in recovery from a range of issues, including substance misuse, mental ill-health and homelessness.
From the first project in 2015, the ensemble has developed into a group of highly creative and supportive individuals, coming together around three times a year to co-create performances with Geese practitioners, leading on theme, story, script and direction. They have collaborated with a host of other arts organisations, including Birmingham Royal Ballet and Fallen Angels Dance Theatre and created performances for International Overdose Awareness Day, HMPPS Insights Festival and numerous other commissions.
“You can just be whoever you want. You can be as stupid as you want. You can be as serious as you want. It doesn’t matter. You can be you”
– Ensemble member
“This performance made me feel reassured that there is creative work happening with non-mainstream community groups and I think people expressing themselves through theatre is necessary.”
– Audience member
“It felt like a really honest performance that came from a very true place – wonderfully poignant.”
– Audience member
“As a person studying applied theatre, it’s work like this that inspires me and gives me passion for the work. Thank you for sharing wonderful work.”
– Audience member
“Someone actually thinks you’re good at something… Geese, it is a good confidence builder, it’s absolutely amazing.”
– Staging Recovery Ensemble member
“It’s nice belonging to a group… having that ‘belonging’ feeling… it’s like a little family group.”
– Staging Recovery Ensemble member
“The Geese practitioners are lovely people… there is a trust element… they don’t cast any doubts over anything you are doing.”
– Staging Recovery Ensemble member
“This is what I’ve had to look forward to and has helped me with my recovery. I’ve met some amazing people and feel confident. I don’t feel trapped anymore, I feel positive. Instead of feeling nervous, embarrassed and scared I wake up happy. “
– Staging Recovery Ensemble member
On Wednesday 2nd July we will celebrate Staging Recovery’s 10th Birthday with the first screening of a new film about the story of the ensemble, and an opportunity to join in the conversation around arts and recovery. We’d love you to join us for lunch at 12.30pm, with the event starting promptly at 1.30pm. The event will finish at 3.30pm.
