Objects Of Terror
Out of Character/York Theatre Royal/Written by Paul Birch/Directed by Juliet Forster/Devised & Performed by Christie Louise Barnes, Adam Bell, Colin Benson, Brian Borthwick, Lara Brook-Hamilton, Louise Carter, Ros Church, Rob Crowe, Laurie Furnell, Mark Gowland, Wayne Hurton, Sam McAvoy, Paul Murtough, Chloe Timpson, Jamie Towey & Rachel Wall/Music & Sound Design by Sam McAvoy/Movement by Christie Louise Barnes/Production Manager Jude Cloke/Costume by Pauline Rourke/Lighting Tom Smith/Scenic Artist Matt Grace/Graphics by Mark Gowland/2016/2017
In 1814, the magistrate Godfrey Higgins wrote a letter to the Lord Lieutenant explaining the recent abuses at Bootham Park Hospital. He stated that, ‘…something should be done for the relief of those unhappy sufferers, who are the objects of terror and compassion to all around them…’
In 2016, we devised at scripted a play using the past as a vehicle to question our present. Objects of Terror tells the story of Mr. Carroll’s journey into the heart of a victorian asylum and the surprises he encounters there. It is also the story of a doctor’s fight to discover and provide the most effective care (cure?) for ‘those unhappy sufferers’ with limited resources. In this asylum of delusions, however, nothing is what it seems and Mr. Carroll finds himself questioning his preconceived ideas about mental illness.
It is, of course, a fictional story; except for the parts that happen to be true. Which is most of it. The patients are all based on historical case studies and the treatments, even the most unbelievable ones, were all practised if not highly regarded. Perhaps the real ‘objects of terror’ are the instruments designed to heal?
The practice of medicine, as with madness itself, can be unstable - particularly in a climate where mental illness is sometimes viewed with suspicion and hostility. A lack of resources can lead to terrible consequences.
You will see how this particular story finishes but we can all be a part of shaping how the story of care in our city might be changed. We hope, as with Mr. Carroll, that we find a happy ending…
