Being known, branching out: troupes, teams and recovery

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to reach beyond existing research into the mental health benefits of arts-based or educational opportunities, to discover the particular impact on members’ recovery processes of being part of a committed, long-term troupe or community – specifically focussing on specialist theatre companies.

Design/methodology/approach

Following a literature review investigating the growing number of theatre troupes for mental health service users, qualitative research was conducted into one such company. In-depth qualitative interviews were conducted with six company members. Thematic analysis of interview transcripts was then cross-checked and enriched through a group interview with six other members.

Findings

Two overarching themes emerged: the importance of “being known” within the company (key sub-themes included “intuitive democracy” and the “paradox of reliability”), and the ways in which individuals “branched out” from this secure basis into artistic, professional and voluntary roles, while remaining company members.

Research limitations/implications

The findings from this small-scale study, while not necessarily generalisable to other long-term communities of care and learning with a “troupe” or “team” structure, would provide valuable starting points for a larger-scale investigation.

Practical implications

If generalisable, institutions in the mental health and educational worlds should place more emphasis on developing and resourcing long-term models of support.

Social implications

The specialist theatre company model contrasts with prevalent individualised, time-limited services for those experiencing mental ill health.

Originality/value

The study provides compelling narrative evidence to amplify understanding of how “connectedness” is experienced within a troupe, and may enable individuals with mental illnesses to progress further in their recovery journey.

Citation

Heinemeyer, C.R. and Rowe, N. (2019), "Being known, branching out: troupes, teams and recovery", Mental Health Review Journal, Vol. 24 No. 3, pp. 212-227. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-12-2018-0039