What the participants say...

“It’s about truth, before I came to Milk Crate Theatre my life was in taters. We’re sick of being spoken down to, Milk Crate Theatre treated me like an equal human being”
- Alan

 

“It has given us the opportunity to express what we live through in a way that is humorous but also with a touch of human reality that’s not that easy. It is the form of expression that counts the most, we might not be able to express these things normally, it (drama) makes it easier for us to understand”
-Dominique

 

“Its time I broadened my… I think I can offer something if people will listen. I hope some of the new breed [street kids] will listen to me, I’ve been there and I’ve done it, it’s time I try to do something for them, give something back.”
-Christina

 

“I found the Milk Crate Theatre presentation an enjoyable event. The skit about the fellow who had a gambling problem proved to be quite confronting. The scene where he is in front of the machine, gambling away, really hit home. I could see myself in his seat doing exactly the same thing. Me and the machine and the whole world nonexistent. The scene where he went home, his wife was trying to talk to him, he was losing control and almost hit her also had a huge impact. I also used to lose control in situations when my partner would ask about whether I’d paid the bills. I would blame him and shift responsibility onto his shoulders always citing something he did that upset
me. Always looking for an excuse and even trying to hit him. My gambling was almost always someone else’s fault (or so I thought). I now know there are no excuses.”

-Debbie

 

“The Edward Eagar Lodge Milk Crate Theatre group are indeed impromptu, but far from being intimidating they are easy and fun going. We were encouraged at certain stages of the production to volunteer different scenarios in
each act of the drama giving us an entirely different adaptation on what actually went on. Your imagination was allowed to run wild. No suggestion too slight or silly. The troupe stayed behind to talk and mingle – something not seen often with professional players. All up I can safely say that I thoroughly enjoyed myself and recommend everybody going along and joining in the fun.”

- Matthew Talbot Hostel Resident

 

In regard to Milk Crate – Home Delivered

"Some of the participants had initial reservation and nervousness about being actively involved, however they quickly responded to the engaging style of Beck the coordinator and found that they could overcome shyness through their group participation in a relaxed, friendly and comfortable environment."

"... a number of the external participants in the Milk Crate Theatre workshop who were not clients of MAC prior to these classes have now continued to access a range of other programs and services on offer here at the Mission Australia Centre." 

- Astra, Program Coordinator, Mission Australia Centre

 

From other agencies

“Once again Macquarie Hospital staff and patients wish to thank you for a most enjoyable entertaining and instructive evening. As you are aware psychiatric patients are some of the most disadvantaged and stigmatised people in our society. Seeing their own stories reflected in the action on-stage is an empowering and
enlivening experience. The interactive nature of this type of theatre, engages them in a non-threatening way, and helps them to look at ways to make changes in their own lives. These evenings have given them the opportunity to mix with an audience, in a venue where they feel comfortable.”

- Sally, Macquarie Hospital

“I would just like to say what a wonderful time I had at the theatre last evening. The power of theatre to be able to turn something educational into something so positive and rewarding for all concerned was just marvellous. The mainly positive responses and input by the participants into the drama and wanting to improve the circumstances for all concerned was particularly stirring. To see the participants build closer bonds as they heard each others’ stories was also a highlight.”

- Russell, Centacare

 

"I believe it is extremely beneficial for my clients to see a realistic portrayal of the issues and conflicts they deal with on a daily basis. That they are able to contribute to the performance, to “have their say”, is invaluable, especially since they are responding to socially relevant issues such as drug and alcohol dependency, mental illness and destructive relationships with others. More often than not “their say” during the performance promotes positive living and outcomes, which is an important message to reinforce to our client base."

- Liza Hildreth, Activities Co-ordinator, Matthew Talbot Hostel