THIS autobiographical play is being used as a spring board to encourage people with mental health issues to break the silence.

The artist who wants people to speak out is Viv Gordon.

She is living with her own mental health issues but has written and is performing in her play entitled I am Joan.

This comedy is about a woman in recovery from trauma finding empowerment by connecting with various inspiring Joan’s, such as Joan Collins, Joan Jett and Joan of Arc, all of whom embody elusive qualities of resilience and self-belief.

Viv who is a winner of Judge’s Prize at Arts in Health South West 2015 said: “This is a mixture of laughing and being hopeful.

"There are some hard hitting issues about mental health issues. The show is about me.

"I have post traumatic stress and I was inspired by Joan Jett.

"She left her record label and no one else would sign her so she set up her own label and sold millions of records.

"I took this idea and saw which other Joan’s had achieved different things in the world.

"It took me two years to get the show ready as it was difficult but positive experience.

“It was challenging as it was so personal. I am living with my illness but getting the support I need.

"People should not allow their illness to hold them back.

“I had to work out what I needed for my mental health support and I am working with a dance movement therapist and have a personal assistant who helps me with the stress.”

Viv co-founded Mean Feet Dance in 2003 after training at Dance Voice, Bristol and she hopes if people have mental health issues and come and see her play they will have the courage to speak out.

Viv said: “I hope it (the play) will empower people and give the courage to speak up.

“I hope they will feel able to talk about what they need to and not feel alone.”

I am Joan is at the Tacchi- Morris Arts Centre in Taunton on May 9 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £12 for adults; £10 concs and students or £8 Groups of 10 or more For further details go online at tacchi-morris.com or call the box office on 01823 414141.