A Malady of Migration
A theatrical examination of diaspora, displacement and mental disorders in the 19th century
At a time when the issues of migration and mental health are seldom out of the news, CHM has worked with Talking Birds theatre company and the Centre for the History of Medicine in Ireland to develop a new theatre production which explores why the mid-19th century saw a prevalence of mental disorders among Irish migrants.
The new piece is called ‘A Malady of Migration’ and will use original music, song, humour and sharp characterisations to tell a series of intertwining stories based on patients’ case histories and experiences, and research being carried out by Professor Hilary Marland of Warwick and Dr Catherine Cox of University College Dublin.
There will be an expert panel discussion after the Thursday evening performances in each venue and a post-performance discussion at Saturday lunchtime, providing opportunities for audience members to discuss the making of the piece with researchers and the theatre company, and to engage in debate on issues raised.
A series of short briefing sheets have been produced, mainly by postgraduate researchers in both centres, to complement the drama and provide background information.
Full details available here.