Enlight Insight Theatre Company’ s Crystal Turner-Brightman discusses Inside A Mind
Enlight Insight Theatre Company‘s mission is to create theatre and films designed to challenge and educate our audiences. Their latest production focuses on Post-Dramatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a subject that Artist Director Crystal Turner-Brightman has personal experience with.
We spoke to Crystal about writing and directing Inside A Mind, which will be playing at Bread & Roses Theatre in March 2025.
Lovely to meet you, shall we start with a little about yourself?
Crystal Turner-Brightman: Hello, I’m Crystal, the Artistic Director of Enlight Insight. I’m thrilled to share that I’m both writing and directing our upcoming project, Inside A Mind. At Enlight Insight, our mission is to spark meaningful social change through thought-provoking theatre. We create a diverse range of accessible and impactful performances, cabarets, workshops, and installations that address crucial topics such as mental health, sexuality, gender, and the environment.
I’m incredibly excited to be working with a talented team of artists and performers on this project, and I’m eager to see how Inside A Mind will resonate with our audience and contribute to important conversations.
What can audiences expect from Inside A Mind?
Crystal: Inside A Mind explores PTSD by vividly bringing its effects to life on stage, allowing the audience to experience its profound impact. Through the eyes and experiences of Sage, the protagonist, during her first therapy session, the play provides an intimate look at trauma. Designed as a piece of Theatre in Education (TIE) for young people aged 15-21, it not only portrays the emotional and psychological dimensions of PTSD but also introduces therapeutic practices such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). By integrating these educational elements, the performance aims to offer both insight and support for those encountering or seeking to understand trauma.
What was the inspiration behind the show?
Crystal: Inside A Mind is a deeply personal play that examines PTSD and its impact on young people. As a burn survivor who was diagnosed with PTSD at age 15, this project holds significant meaning for me. I originally wrote Inside A Mind as a way to process my own trauma two years after my accident. I was fortunate to be part of a supportive college community that helped me bring this production to life. The experience was profoundly emotional for both me and my family.
How long have you been working on the play?
Crystal: As you might imagine, the play needed significant revisions after its first run. Over the past five years, I’ve dedicated myself to amending and refining the script, and I now believe it’s ready to take the stage.
Having experienced trauma at a young age, I understand firsthand the challenges young people face when dealing with it, often with limited support. In rewriting Inside A Mind, I made a conscious decision to shape it as a piece of Theatre in Education. The play not only delves into the effects of trauma but also emphasises practical tools and strategies for managing it, aiming to provide both insight and support to its audience.
Is the version now how you originally envisioned it, or has it changed since you first wrote it?
Crystal: The play has undergone significant changes since I first decided to bring it back to the stage. As a writer, I often have a clear vision of how everything should appear, but as a director, I embrace a collaborative approach with my actors, encouraging them to make the characters their own.
This balancing act can be challenging at times, but it’s essential for the actors to fully grasp the script’s message and the crucial factual information, especially since this is a piece of Theatre in Education. Once they understand these elements, I trust them to take creative risks, allowing the words on the page to truly come to life and resonate with the audience.
Why did you choose The Bread & Roses Theatre to perform at?
Crystal: Inside A Mind will be staged at the Bread and Roses Theatre, which has become a cherished home for Enlight Insight. When we first arrived in London, we launched our cabaret, Rebel Jam, and finding the right venue was a challenge. Bread and Roses proved to be the perfect fit, and we’ve had a wonderful partnership ever since. We’re deeply grateful for their ongoing support and collaboration, and we love being part of their community.
What do you hope the audience takes away from the show?
Crystal: We hope that through this play, audiences will gain a deeper understanding of trauma and feel better equipped to support themselves and others who may be experiencing it. For those who have experienced and overcome trauma, it’s important to look back and recognise just how far you’ve come.
What’s the most valuable piece of advice you’ve received during your career, and how has it influenced your work on this show?
Crystal: The most valuable advice I’ve received is to always ask for help when needed and to stay open to new creative ideas. Working in isolation rarely produces the best results. Embracing feedback and listening to others’ perspectives has been essential in continuously improving my work, especially on this show.
Are there any plans for what comes next after the show has finished its run?
Crystal: Yes! We’re excited to take Inside A Mind to a fringe festival next and continue spreading the message of hope. Stay tuned for more details!
Will you be at the bar after the show, and are you hoping people might stay to ask about the show?
Crystal: Absolutely! We’ll be at the bar after the show, and we’ll have plenty of support resources available. It’s important to us to create a safe space for anyone who connects with the themes of the performance. Please feel free to come and chat with us if anything resonates with you.
Thanks to Crystal Turner-Brighton for chatting so openly and honestly. Inside A Mind will being playing at The Bread & Roses Theatre between 20th and 22nd March 2025. Further information and booking are available here.