In 19th-century France, the Salpetriere hospital served as a facility for women with mental illnesses, reflecting outdated definitions of such conditions. Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot, a pioneering figure, treated hysteria as a neurological disorder rather than attributing it to a wandering womb. His work challenged perceptions by suggesting men could also experience hysteria. Helena McBurney's play artfully intertwines themes of misogyny with mental illness, as seen through the performance of Charlotte McBurney, who portrays various roles within a compelling narrative. The production underscores the historical treatment of women in psychiatric care, highlighting both the challenges faced and the evolving understanding of mental health.
Dr. Jean-Martin Charcot developed a theory of hysteria, reinterpreting the condition as a neurological disorder and arguing that it could affect men as well as women.
Helena McBurney's script fuses themes of misogyny and mental illness into theatrical poetry, creating a potent blend of knowledge and horror surrounding psychiatric treatment.
Charlotte McBurney delivers a powerful performance, transitioning from a sober narrator to a psychotic Salpetriere resident, illustrating the fluidity of mental illness and medical authority.
The production by Christina Deinsberger captures the connective tissue of women’s treatment in psychiatry over the centuries, emphasizing the evolution of understanding mental health.
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