Scream

Back in the day, I used to run a drama group for people recovering from mental health issues. It started off in Hull as The Mutineer Players and then moved to Bridlington and became The Old Parcels Office Drama Group. I preferred the first name, strangely enough.

Anyway, back in the day of The Mutineer Players, I remember one session when a woman walked in and said flatly:

"I want to scream."

"Oh," said I, "I quite fancy a scream too."

So I put it to the group, all standing in a circle, ready to begin.

"Does anyone feel like screaming tonight?"

A mumble of ums and errs and a gradual rise of affirmations.

"Oh," said I again, "That's good. Shall we start then with a group scream?"

A loud and collective "Yes!"

"OK. After three......."

And off we went. Screaming for a good few minutes until our lungs were raw and most of us were laughing. And I remember still, that was the best session we ever had.

At times in Cambodia when things get stressy, I really miss that group. And at times wish for the freedom to scream before meetings. Or the worship at church.

Maybe it might help to give people the option. Or at least provide scream rooms for particularly crappy days.

Maybe it might soothe the rawness of life here. And let loose some worshipful laughing.

Just a thought.