Park Theatre will play host to Bones, a show that uses rugby to explore mental health, toxic masculinity and gender stereotyping.
Written by Lewis Aaron Wood and directed by Daniel Blake in partnership with rugby mental health charity LooseHeadz, it tells the story of a rugby player on the brink of a professional career, but struggling in a way he can’t seem to fix. The show examines the toll pressure can take on mental health and questions why it isn’t treated with the same concern as a physical injury, when the effects can be just as serious.
Ed is an up-and-coming amateur rugby player being scouted by professional teams. Pressure’s mounting as his team qualifies for the Semi Finals of the regional cup, but his head isn’t in the game. Ed feels the full weight of expectation and hope, and it’s impacting him in ways he could have never imagined.
From production company Refine, local rugby clubs will also be able to stream the production during the summer off-season to bring players together to promote, prevent and raise awareness of mental health within the sports community. This filmed performance will be captured at Windsor RFU, on the pitch.
The cast includes Ronan Cullen, Samuel Holt, James Mackay and Ainsley Fannen. The artistic director is Aaron Templeman.
Bones will play at Park 90, Park Theatre, from July 5–22.