Draycott writer, Alan Dawson, has created a free drama workshop to which he hopes he can encourage local men to attend. The workshop is focused upon a short play he is developing, Guilty as Charged, which explores aspects of men’s mental health/ wellbeing - the writer stresses that no experience in the performing arts is necessary.

NB: Workshops #1 and #2 are men only activities; workshop/ performance #3 is mixed.

The workshop runs over three successive Tuesday evenings and is based at the Elephant Rooms, Draycott.

Guilty as Charged – short synopsis.

Sam the Man is finding the world a difficult place to live in as he reaches middle-age. He is struggling with his sense of self and his identity is being torn asunder because of uncertainty. The impact of the modern world is weighing heavily on Sam’s psyche as he struggles to negotiate communication, relationships, community, employment, fatherhood, bereavement etc.

Outline of Workshop #1 – Tuesday, 30th April 2024 @ 7- 8.30pm

•    Light warm up exercises.
•    Group exercise to explore communication… or lack of it!
•    Participant readthrough of Guilty as Charged.
•    Discussion of the themes explored in the readthrough.

Outline of Workshop #2 – Tuesday, 7th May 2024 @ 7 – 8.30pm

•    Light warm up exercises.
•    Rehearsal of Guilty of Charged for performance Tuesday 14th May 2024.

NB: There is no obligation to be part of the performance, but participation is encouraged and supported. There are different roles besides acting/ reading, such as sound effects.

Outline of Workshop #3. Performance of Guilty as Charged –Tuesday 14th May @ 7 – 9pm (This is during Mental Health Awareness week).

*NB this is a mixed workshop – all invited.

•    Short script in hand performance of Guilty as a Charged to a small mixed audience.
•    Feedback and discussion of the themes.
•    Short Script in hand reading of Alan’s play, Jane Eyre… Don’t You Dare.
•    Feedback and discussion of themes + tea/ biscuits.
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For me the arts are all about inclusion and the opportunity to try new things - the Elephant Room is a safe place to do so. After the reading of Guilty as Charged, the audience, supported by actors, will have the opportunity to perform a short reading of Jane Eyre… Don’t you Dare, which explores the dynamics between young and old in a college. Although both plays explore serious themes, they are both driven by humour – so hopefully they should make you chuckle!

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I have been writing drama for over ten years and several of my plays have been produced in the East Midlands. It is through my writing that I learn about myself and the world that I live in - hopefully my writing helps others to learn about themselves and their worlds too.
                                                                                                                  Alan Dawson

Contact Alan thetownsman@hotmail.com or 07900571737 to find out more details about the workshop or to book your place.

If you are interested in coming along to watch the performance use the same contact information as above. NB: this is for anyone aged 14+

If you can afford it, a small donation to the Elephant Rooms would be appreciated.

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Alan is the facilitator of MENtal Health, a peer support group for men which takes place in Elephant Rooms.

All details of the MENtal Health group are on Elephant Rooms website.