New Ways to Explore Alcohol Problems
27/06/2008
The Angus Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) has been working with partners across Tayside to put together activities that will highlight to the public issues associated with drinking at home. The team is keen to offer different, innovative ways to encourage people to think about why and how much alcohol they drink at home. The team decided to take forward the showing of a powerful drama to do this. This week saw the tour of the home drinking drama, ëAcceptanceí begin in Forfar at Angus Council offices at Orchardbank. ëAcceptanceí follows the story of Scarlet who spends her life trying to fit in and be liked by others. Pressured by her need to be popular she has her first taste of alcohol at high school and from this new experience she feels confident, strong, chatty and liked. As the story develops, Scarlet at 30 years old is still partying on and not realising the effect alcohol is having on her health, relationships and her self respect.
ëAcceptanceí is a one woman play written and performed by former Carnoustie resident Lisa Nicoll. The show has been touring Scotland this year and due to its success it is now being shown at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2008. Chair of the Angus DAAT, Robert Peat, stated; ë Alcohol can be enjoyed at home with family and friends during celebrations. However, we know that due to the low prices at which alcohol can be bought in supermarkets, people do tend to drink more and sometimes excessively. This leads to a host of problems including damage to personal health, family and domestic issues and accidents. The Angus DAAT hopes that, by using the vehicle of the arts, people stop and think about their alcohol use at home.
Lisa Nicoll, commented ìI am delighted how well people have responded to the performance today. I think the messages about drinking at home struck a chord with the audience. We are more aware that we live in a culture where society has pressures and expectations of us. Drinking too much alcohol must not be regarded as a way to deal with that or as normal behaviour. A further show of ëAcceptanceí will be held in Blairgowrie High Schooll tomorrow for pupils and at the Meffan Art Gallery, West High Street, Forfar on Friday 27th June at 12.30pm. Several workplaces have been invited to attend this performance but there are still a few places available. To book for this free event, please contact 01307 476493.
2009-03-05 09:47:51