Stories and songs of hope continue

AwArd-winning Surf Coast writer Janet Brown premiered her play The Hope Song at the launch of the Surf Coast Shire’s Mental Health week on Sunday with the help of talented director Iris walshe-Howling and Anglesea Performing Arts (APA).

The play is set to run for another six shows at Anglesea Memorial Hall on October 12 (today), 13, 14, 19 and 20 at 7.30 pm, with a matinee on Saturday October 14 at 2.30pm.

This project started two years ago when Jules Haddock, initiator of Surf Coast’s Arts of the Minds Festival, asked Janet to consider writing a play for Mental Health week.

Janet said she decided to explore “verbatim theatre”, a theatre based on the words spoken by people who have been interviewed.

“I thought that it would be a really powerful way to illuminate the issues and experiences of people who have mental health challenges,” Janet said.

“I’ve been interviewing people for other writing projects for many years, and have always found it very interesting and humbling when people share their life experiences with me.

“I am so grateful to the seven people I interviewed. They have been so insightful, frank and very generous by agreeing to share their stories.

“I want The Hope Song to inform and help the community. It’s more than just a night at the theatre. The idea is that the better we understand ourselves, our family members, neighbours, colleagues and mental health challenges, the more we reduce stigma and improve compassion about these issues.

“The name The Hope Song came to me before I even began the interviewing process. I know that music – actually, the arts in general – and mental health have a beneficial nexus. Each person I interviewed has nominated a song that speaks to them or uplifts them.

“Those songs will be incorporated into the performances.

“Though the topic is quite serious, it will be a very entertaining show.”

To book tickets, visit trybooking.com/313926.