Human Connection
Human connection is vital for all of us in order to stave off loneliness and isolation. In the original narrative at the heart of William Shakespeare’s iconic play Hamlet, themes of isolation and loneliness are very prominent and feed into the madness developing in Hamlet’s mind.
In the No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability recent World Premiere season of Julian Crotti’s Hamlet the Loneliest, a brilliant adaptation of Shakespeare’s famous drama, themes of mental illness, of feeling worthless and ignored, even shunned, continue as Hamlet returns to his kingdom twenty years after his violent breakdown. Hamlet the Loneliest is a production that’s very dear to all at No Strings, not only because of its artistic merit and stellar performances, but also how much it highlights the need in all of us to experience connection with others; to spread our wings and feel worthy.
Non-inclusion
Loneliness and a sense of non-inclusion are emotions felt strongly by disabled people.
Understandably, having perhaps previously experienced non-inclusion in activities or studies or in other areas, when participants first join our workshops some can be nervous and even unlikely to join in. No pressure to do so is given, but the sheer joy and freedom of expression of others there soon changes that. From this early point, we are always thrilled to see the blossoming and the demonstration of ‘true self’ that inevitably happens in our safe spaces. We have genuine testimonials to this from the participants and their families:
Lynda: Since joining No Strings, Josh finds them fun and engaging and he feels accepted and part of the team. For the first time in many years, he talks of having friends. He has grown in confidence. He is proud of his achievements.
Kerrin: No Strings is a place where ability is recognised NOT disability. The workshop programs assist in building self-esteem, self-understanding and a passion for self-improvement.
Lynn: Attending No Strings has certainly made Paul more confident and outgoing. Even considering his … restricted [physical] abilities.
Challenging isolation and loneliness
CEO at No Strings, Dr Kari Seeley, said, ‘In a world where disability too often isolates, separates, and segregates, this important work resonates in relation to disability support services like No Strings, where programs directly address social disconnection and social isolation. No Strings’ work is tailored to the specific capacities, challenges and support needs of individuals with disability. Participants learn transferable skills that improve their well-being, build their social interaction, counter isolation, encourage risk-taking and experimentation, teach resilience and cooperation, and boost self-reliance and pride.’
Dr Seeley went on to say, ‘No Strings uses a strengths-based approach to create and deliver programs. These programs allow individual people with unique (clusters of) disabilities, the time and space to build their independence, gain confidence, explore new ways of connecting and communicating with others, and to improve overall wellbeing.’
Fig Kershaw: It’s hard to find disabled people out in the wild, even though we’re not rare, but to be in a room with people like you is exciting to me.
Jeshua Paterson: I’m here because I’m an actor. I have trouble speaking, especially talking to other people, but when I’m acting, I’m confident with talking.
Respect and recognition
No Strings Attached Theatre of Disability is a company that challenges loneliness and isolation in every way. It’s where inclusion, respect, talent, community, training and recognition of diverse ability within disability all meld in an environment from which talented people reach for the stars.
In fact, to quote a famous line from another famous Shakespeare play, we say to loneliness, ‘Out damn’d spot!”
Lesley Reed