"Masculinity is toxic when other people's values are put on to you and you're trying to live up to something that is probably not achievable" – Paul McDonald, Executive Director, Samaritans
In May 2019 'Man Up' at the Old Vic brought a stellar panel together to discuss what it means to be a man in the 21st century and how notions of toxic masculinity impact men and our society at large. This formed part of the Voices Off programme - conceived at the start of Matthew Warchus’ inaugural season as Artistic Director of the Old Vic, it is a series of talks, conversations, debates and workshops examining the themes raised by the productions on the main stage.
'Man Up', hosted at the Old Vic, drew on themes from the production of All My Sons, Arthur Miller's blistering drama in which masculinity means fighting for your country or going to any lengths to provide for your family.
The panel, chaired by Mishcon de Reya's Head of Real Estate Nick Doffman, comprised of Ben Hurst (Head of Facilitation and Training at the Good Lad Initiative), Paul McDonald (Executive Director of External Affairs at Samaritans), Scottee (award-winning artist and writer) and Jordan Stephens (Writer and performer, leader of mental health campaign #IAMWHOLE).
All My Sons is an Old Vic and Headlong co-production running from 13 April until 8 June.