A stage show featuring drama, music and poetry

  generated and performed by users of the psychiatric services

The Anansi Web Show is a concept developed by Devon Marston, a user of the psychiatric services and an employee of Sound Minds.

Anansi stories are folk tales rooted in the history of the Caribbean and Ghana. The adventures of Anansi the sly spider have a moral dimension retained in this modern day update.

Anansi epitomises the outsider and the Anansi Web Show highlights the treatment of minorities, and in particular communicates the experiences of black people in the psychiatric system. The Web is both a support network and a sticky trap. Anansi himself challenges and engages, drawing the audience into the storyline in a personal way, breaking down barriers.

The Benefits

ENGAGES black service users estranged from mainstream services

IMPROVES self confidence through creativity and achievement and the affirmation of cultural heritage

HIGHLIGHTS issues relating to the psychiatric treatment of black people

ENABLES people to find a voice

‘The Voice’ featured an interview with Devon about the Anansi Web Show in December 2000

The show  has also received radio coverage.

An excerpt was featured on BBC2’s ‘Newsnight’ in July 2000

How it works

It begins with rolling once-weekly Creative Writing workshops.

These feed material into ‘The Web Players’ drama workshops and script writing sessions.

The drama sessions involve professional actors and commence 6-10 weeks before performances of the  ‘Anansi Web Show’.

COUNTERACTS negative images of mental ill health by showcasing the talents of service users

REDUCES ignorance and fear of mental illness, contributing to health education and the integration of people with mental health problems in the locality

IMPROVES the ethnic sensitivity of mainstream services

BROADENS understanding of black culture

STRENGTHENS links between participating community organisations, within and outwith mental health

EDUCATES service users in aspects of video and stagecraft including training in transferable computer and design skills

The Anansi Web Show has been performed on a number of occasions since 1998, most recently in March 2000, with a Mind Millennium Award. The process leading to the stage show is now honed and tested, and involves mental health service users at every stage

Approximately  30 service users were involved in the most recent production, together with their friends and relatives

The show took place at the Battersea Arts Centre with an audience of 200