Speak Your Fear: A creative workshop for people with a phobia (18 mar)

Facilitated by theatre-maker, performer and Leeds PGR  Wiebke Acton as part of her practice-based research (School of Performance and Cultural Industries). Supported by academic researcher, author and practitioner health psychologist Prof. Vincent Deary (Northumbria University)

Are you afraid of spiders? Do you hyperventilate at the thought of a vaccination? Do you go out of your way to avoid lifts, or freeze in the face of a button? This workshop uses creative writing to talk seriously about the impact of irrational fears and explore the physical sensations that people with phobias experience.

Simple writing exercises will offer participants new ways to understand their phobias and enable them to share their creative stories in a safe and supportive environment. No previous writing experience is required.

During the session, Wiebke will also give an insight into the making of her new theatre piece PHOBIA which will premiere at Stage@Leeds in June 2025. There will be an opportunity - but no obligation - for workshop participants to influence the artistic process, and shape PHOBIA in a valuable way.

When: Tuesday, 18 March 2025, 11am (the session will run for two hours followed by an hour of informal discussion)

Where:  Clothworkers South, Room 2.03, University of Leeds

If you would like to take part, please register: Eventbrite link

For more information, send an email to pcwa@leeds.ac.uk

Wiebke Acton (she/her)

Ethical Approval Reference: 1546