Masculinity explored in Stratford performance

The Barometer of my Heart in Stratford Archant

A thought-provoking theatre show exploring the mental and physical consequences a man experiences due to erectile dysfunction is taking place in Stratford.

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The Barometer of my Heart, directed by artist Mark Storor, has been inspired by workshops and real life conversations with men and has brought to life a discussion that is usually kept in the shadows.

A cast of nine professional actors will take on the performance, funded by Arts Council England and the Wellcome Trust, at the Sir Ludwig Guttmann Health and Wellbeing Centre in East Village.

The artistic performance will explore themes of masculinity through still and moving image, music, animation and sound.

Mark said: “Art allows us to look at things we can’t see and to give us a language for things that are unsaid.

“Too much is hidden, too much is covered up. It has been empowering to work with these men. I realise that they do want to talk about it.”

As part of his research, the artist facilitated workshops with patients in religious, military, sports and corporate settings.

Jonathan Garside, spokesman for charity Everton in the Community, that has also taken part in the research, said: “We traditionally use sport and physical activity to engage our men’s group - art was something of an unknown entity

for us and them.

Initially I was cautious but have been blown away by how they took to Mark’s workshops. It proves that given the opportunity, everyone is an artist and has the creativity to express themselves.”

The performance is being held until October 4. For more information visit artsadmin.co.uk