WIRED The Play

Aim

WIRED tells the story of a young woman soldier's journey with PTSD and asks important questions about how we support mental health.

SELL-OUTSHOW WIRED IS MAKING A WELCOME RETURN TO THE EDINBURGH FRINGE 2018 AND IS EMBARKING ON A TOUR VISITING ARTS VENUES AND ARMY BARRACKS AROSS THE UK AND NORTHERN IRELAND, SPRING 2019.

 WIRED is the story of a young woman soldier’s journey through post-traumatic stress. It is a story about the people behind the uniform and asks important questions about how we support the mental health of young people, soldiers, veterans and their families. 

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder has existed in relation to war throughout history and was previously known as shell-shock or soldier’s hearts. In the midst of war there is no time for someone to break down when they see their colleagues and friends being blown to pieces. There are systems in place within the military to support soldiers to deal with traumatic incidents but sadly the macho ‘Man-Up’ attitude still prevails. In military terms PTSD is sometimes referred to as a wound of the mind, an invisible wound that can affect soldiers and their families long after they leave the battlefield.

 FRINGE 2018

As well as the performances the WIRED team are working with the army to deliver 3 post show discussions looking at various themes of the play including; The Power of Women, Mental Health in the Arts and Veterans Journeys.

 ABOUT WIRED

 WIRED is the story of a young soldier’s journey through post-traumatic stress, told through the lives of three woman; Joanna, the young soldier, her mother and an older soldier who represents the many voices of the army as experienced by the young soldier.

 Following training, Joanna is deployed to Afghanistan and believes that she is prepared for what lies ahead. What she is not prepared for is a visit from her past and as the realities of war close in around her, Joanna struggles to make sense of the voices, memories and flashbacks that wage war inside her head.

 Award-winning Playwright, Lesley Wilson, undertook extensive research with serving, reservist and veteran soldiers and spent time with both military and civilian mental health professionals whilst writing WIRED which was originally developed with support from Playwrights’ Studio Scotland and Tron Theatre Creative.

 THE TEAM

     Jasmine Main                       Una McDade                      Caroline Lewis 

Lesley Wilson                                 Stasi Schaeffer           Michelle McKay 

Writer                                                 Director                         Producer

Click here to view team bio's. 

REVIEWS FOR WIRED

‘A compelling account of PTSD where the character shares centre stage with the issue, rather than simply being the vehicle through which it’s represented.’  

★★★★★TheReviewsHub.Com

 ‘This is a thoughtful and engaging play that reminds us that some of the wounds of war may be invisible but can all the same be fantastically debilitating.’

★★★★British Theatre Guide

 'WIRED covers some very challenging aspects of service life in the armed forces. It is brilliantly written and wonderfully acted by actors who have spent time understanding the mindset of those who serve. A fantastic short play that is well worth going to see. Be prepared to be moved.'

Lt Col THM Gaddum. Scottish and Northern Irish Yeomanry.

HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT US

We greatly appreciated all your support. Any donation big or small will make a huge difference and is integral in bringing this work to the Edinburgh Fringe and the rest of the UK to audiences that will include serving army personnel, reservists, veterans and their families.

 If you are unable to make a donation, but do want to support us, then please shout about it by sharing a link to this page with friends and family on Facebook and Twitter. 

 Finally, please support in person by putting your bum on a seat!  BOOK TICKETS HERE | Runs 10-25 August | 2.30pm | £12 (£10) 

YOUR SUPPORT WILL:

To date WIRED has not received any funding and was produced for Edinburgh Fringe 2017 through in-kind support from the Army, a few private donations and the belief of the creative team and cast in the play who gave their time and skills for free.

 This year, so far, WIRED has received 32% of its total production costs via in-kind support and private donations. We still have a long way to go and your support is vital for us to reach our target. Your donations will allow us to:

 1. Pay our talented cast and creative team appropriately and in-line with equity rates.

 2. Increase production value by bringing in a sound designer on the project, which will bring another element to the work.

 3. Provide focused marketing support to reach new audiences outside of the Edinburgh Fringe.

 As well as directly supporting the costs of delivering the production to stage, your support will: 

 1. Mean that the creative team can deliver this story and start an important conversation around PTSD and mental health.

 2. Allow us to tell our story and reach audiences outside the fringe by engaging arts venues during the fringe run with a view to booking for the 2019 tour.

 3. Allow our hugely talented female-led creative team to deliver this highly ambitious production to the highest artistic standard. 

This project successfully funded on 24th July 2018