acta

acta is a community theatre based in South Bristol that has been making compelling and relevant theatre with communities for over 40 years. In 2024, acta received a grant from the Baring Foundation for a men’s theatre group, one of a group of 32 grants intended to promote the engagement of men with mental health problems in creative activity.

Our work responds to the needs that we see in society and in the communities that we work alongside. It was very evident to us that one of the most pressing concerns was the increase in men’s mental health challenges. Coupled with the fact that only 35% of our participants were male, we knew that a group dedicated to men, with a focus on supporting their mental health and wellbeing was a priority. With funding from the Baring Foundation, the Firefly project was born.

The group started with small numbers, taking referrals from local mental health services, social prescribers, and through word of mouth. Many of the original participants had never done any drama before, so we focused on simple games and exercises that engaged them, without putting pressure on them to have to perform or act too quickly. It became clear to us quite early on that some members of the group had difficulties with their mental health that were beyond what we could safely and confidently address. As much as we welcomed support workers and friends alongside them, some felt that this group wasn’t for them and that they needed a more clinical mental health focused environment. Many, however, responded very well to the more informal, creative, fun and explorative approach that Firefly brings.

Throughout the first year, more men heard about the group and joined until we had a core group of supportive, creative and thoughtful people that have stayed with us. The key aspect of this is ‘supportive’. They have become a life-line for each other, creating a WhatsApp group, meeting outside of the sessions, and becoming firm friends in the process, addressing two of the most important issues facing men today – loneliness and social isolation.

“Theatre requires a lot of pulling together as a team, and I love how us rag-tag mob of blokes have done that. Enjoyed each other and become friends.”

In terms of creative experience, they came from a very diverse backgrounds. One participant literally walked off the street, into the workshop, had never performed before and three months later was in a show! That show was ‘Muckers’, a piece that explored male friendship and isolation through a comedic, ensemble piece co-created by the group themselves.

The second year continued in the same vein, with a core group of participants joined by others who would come for a few sessions, if and when they could, or felt well enough to attend. This year the group decided to focus on ‘The Manosphere’ and toxic masculinity, setting the play at a police stakeout. We created characters at great depth, improvised and explored the story and themes through those characters, and created a very funny, incredibly relevant show. One regular audience member said it was the best he had ever seen at acta. The process however was not without its own inherent challenges – the process of devising a piece of theatre can be difficult and unsettling. We made sure that we addressed these issues upfront and with as much transparency as possible. The space we created was safe, open and honest.

Over the course of the two years, we have worked with over 20 men, created and performed two critically acclaimed shows, and instigated a large peer-support network.

“I love this group and all I’m performing with. This group has helped me immensely. I genuinely feel down when our rehearsals and time together is over.”

The overall aims of the project – to deliver a greater sense of self-worth, reduce levels of anxiety, and increase self-value and sense of purpose and belonging – have most definitely been achieved.

Some further outcomes have been fascinating. Conversations around men’s mental health have been happening throughout the building and into the community, and paired with media interest in the group, has raised the profile of the issues around men’s mental health and wellbeing. Many of the men’s family members have started to engage with acta, coming to performances and even joining groups themselves. The confidence, pride and sense of achievement shines from the participants now, and we are determined to try to keep this group going as it has proved to be such an important part of our work and our community.

“It’s been a fantastic journey to explore different lived realities through improvisation, developing them into a play, and ultimately performing it. The process itself created such strong foundations –rich material, a powerful group dynamic, and deep trust –  that all shone through in the final performance. It’s something we are all very proud to have been part of.”