GET THERAPY to Play at The Greenwich Theatre Studio for One Night Only

Get Therapy will play at the Greenwich Theatre studio for one night only later this month.

This November an upbeat autobiographical cabaret about group therapy is coming to Greenwich Theatre's studio, offering a completely fresh look at a subject that its writer herself says can sometimes become "preachy and boring."

The writer of Get Therapy - Danielle Imara - was more or less ordered by her doctor to go into group therapy after becoming addicted to anti-depressants and, from her own perspective, happily accepting the situation.

The experience triggered the writing of a show infused with positivity. "Although it seemed necessary to point out some of the sad and difficult experiences people have, I wanted to show there's always the possibility of change," said Danielle. "I'm a complete optimist and like to offer positive points of view and suggest useful options.

"Music and dance scenes offer an uplifting break when the subject matter might be a bit challenging. Also, our pop video society has a shorter attention span and the short scenes reflect that as well, I think."

Get Therapy tells of Danielle's history of drug abuse and eating disorders, and while she is content to survive on anti-depressants her doctor threatens no more pills unless she agrees to group therapy.

To the first meeting then with recovering addict Luke, feisty but mother-dominated Amy, therapy success Stephen and the therapist who, perhaps tellingly, keeps mum about her own experiences.

"My background is playing gigs, mainly as a bass guitarist, and as I love to dance it stands to reason that my work as a writer and performer would be a mix of genres." said Danielle. "My performances as a singer evolved into live art pieces under the name of Nina Silvert. Then, between 2011 and 2013, I studied under Peter Brooks at Central St Martins art school at Kings Cross. It was Peter who encouraged me to include dialogue in my live art work.

"It was then I realised my work was cryptic and mystifying. No-one knew what I was on about! It was a revelation, knowing I needed words to be fully understood. So I added verbatim dialogue and suddenly I was making theatre.

"The content is a combination of lived experience and research. I use autobiographical material mainly as a way of introducing other people's stories - often people whose experiences have been much harder than my own. They're stories that I feel need to be told. A lot of the dialogue is verbatim, taken from interviews and research workshops, which I then weave into a dramatic narrative based on a combination of my own and others' experiences."

Danielle hopes the show will appeal to students, particularly psychology and mental health students. "It would also be great to attract mental health clients and professionals who will relate to the content, and anyone who knows anyone with emotional difficulties. And, of course, people who like music, love a good song and might be into alternative theatre."

Get Therapy will play at the Greenwich Theatre studio for one night only on Monday, November 27 (7.30pm), as part of an eight-day national tour supported by Arts Council England and produced by James Haddrell, Greenwich Theatre's artistic and executive director.

"I think it's a great piece," said James. "Danielle is a really charismatic performer and this is an astonishingly personal, honest show about the highs and lows of mental health, addiction and therapy. We have been working together on the script for several months now and I can't wait to get into the rehearsal room with Danielle and the rest of the cast."

*Get Therapy, Greenwich Theatre, Studio Monday, November 27, 7.30. Get more information and tickets prices at www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk or call the box office on 020-8858 7755.

Funded by Royal Greenwich, Greenwich Theatre is one of London's foremost Off-West End theatres, presenting a year round programme of drama, musicals and family theatre. It is one of the country's leading supporters of young and emerging theatre makers, currently supporting up to 20 young artists and companies in everything from production and tour management to script development and marketing.

Greenwich Theatre is also a significant developer and programmer of theatre for families and children, and lead producer on the annual Greenwich Children's Theatre Festival (part of the Royal Greenwich Festivals), and producer of one of the country's favourite traditional family pantomimes.

The launch of Greenwich Theatre On Tour has seen the theatre work with emerging companies to co-produce theatre at a range of national and international venues, with performances in London, Brighton, Edinburgh, Dublin, Adelaide, Madrid and New York. For more information, visit www.greenwichtheatre.org.uk.

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