Performance lecture by Margate-based mental health activist
7.30pm
The Festival opens with an exclusive performance lecture of Balmy Army by acclaimed Margate-based joyful artist and activist ‘the vacuum cleaner’.
They worked for 3 years with over 100 young people from across Greater Manchester who felt failed by the NHS, but came together to turn their isolated pain into a community of wonkiness. More info here: thevacuumcleaner.co.uk/barmy-army/
Content includes: Mental health in all forms, the use of the mental health act, mental health hospitals. There are no graphic descriptions of any of these.
The performance is relaxed - you are able to move around the space, tic, stim, step in and out as you need.
Originally commissioned and produced by HOME and Factory International for Manchester International Festival 2023.
The night will be hosted by Brigitte Aphrodite and Quiet Boy.
Step free. Use of accessible toilet next door.
See other Festival Events here
Ever been told to ask for help? Only to be told help wasn’t available.
Ever been told you’ve got a problem, but something inside you says, hmmm am not quite sure it’s JUST me?
Ever get the feeling young people’s mental health care could be so much better?
The Balmy Army is an art, activism and mutual care project for pissed-off young people.
Using art as activism, they imagine and make real a simpler, kinder, easier to access mental health support and care.
Begun in Manchester in 2022, they've helped to bring together young people, artists, madpride organisers, radical dreamers, disability justice-inspired doers and everyone else who's trying to cope.
Balmy Army have made process, actions, exhibitions, performances, films, zines, podcasts and disruption for Manchester International Festival 2023, Whitechapel Gallery (with Chisenhale Gallery) and Contact Theatre.
Free and unticketed
