Life in the Victorian Asylum: The World of Nineteenth Century Mental Health Care by Mark Stevens

Author:Mark Stevens [Stevens, Mark]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Pen and Sword
Published: 2014-10-01T14:00:00+00:00

Entertainments

The social side of life in the asylum is constantly promoted to the patients. Association is an important skill and easily tested in work and play, so we try and provide opportunities for large groups of patients to get together and enjoy activities across the wards. It is necessary to have a sufficient quantity of attendants on duty and so, much like the cricket games in summer, these events take place during the evenings and weekends.

Since the asylum’s opening we have operated a programme of fortnightly musical soirées, which take place after the usual time for lights out, evoking a feeling of illicit freedom among the gathered throng. In the winter, these evenings take place in the hall, but in fine summer weather they are moved to the formal gardens outside the main block. As well as the singing and musical accompaniment, tea is available to all. It has also been found agreeable for these events to bring together both sides of the asylum. To date, no ill effects have resulted from this novel arrangement. Indeed, the benefits of this rare mixing of the sexes are of great interest to the medical men who watch over you. The most truculent man may become a lamb when faced with the gentle charms of a woman; similarly, the female patient who cannot be tamed by her sisters may submit gracefully to the orders of a male.

The music for the evening begins once the superintendent has arrived, and thereafter voices with accompaniment are heard across the estate. The music is a clarion call to dance, and the staff enquire of each patient if they would care to join the round. Some encouragement is usually required to bring the two sexes together in the hall, for they sit as self-consciously apart as participants in any parish dance. Many patients are also content merely to listen to the music.

The band itself is made up of patients and staff, and includes brass, woodwind and timpani; a piano is also available for suitable pieces. Though the musicians are amateur, the standard of playing is enthusiastic, and their steady rhythms pulse within the floorboards while their notes ascend into the evening air. Recently we have been fortunate enough to acquire an officer who has a great interest in singing, with the result that a choral union has been established. For variation, a soloist may give a rendition of some light operatic song.

We are additionally very proud of the theatrical performances that we stage. For the patients these tend to be a passive experience, as although one or two actors are drawn from the patients’ ranks, for most there is rather the appreciation of being a spectator. These affairs are designed to enhance your spirits and to invite a response with their ready humour. Typically they are one-act farces with the opportunity for outlandish dress. The staff themselves can be relied upon to rehearse and perform these plays, and we offer one gala performance every two months. Where possible,

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