S.A.D is changing the way we look at mental health

Posted on 12 September, 2018

One in five Australians are affected by mental illness in any 12-month period, but it is a topic that’s still often difficult to talk about.

Which is why, in light of this October’s World Mental Health Week, Little Black Jacket Productions and a collective of Canberra locals are bringing an innovative new performance called S.A.D to the Canberra Theatre Centre.

Charlie Wan, creator and director of the production worked alongside her business partner and composer Teresa Wojcik, to create a dialogue-free, physical theatre piece. It aims to create a platform that allows an honest conversation about mental health.

“Charlie recognised the need in society for a safe place to have a conversation about mental health, without the stigma attached,” says Teresa.

An original musical score was composed by Teresa for the production, in collaboration with Charlie and the cast, who have all had their own experiences with mental illness.

The physical theatre piece uses clowning and choreography to explore themes of depression, anxiety, childhood abuse and trauma. Charlie believes this medium will connect with the audience on both an emotional and physical level.

“We have chosen clowning as our art form because it resonates with your inner child and we believe we can start to dis-empower the stigma and darkness with laughter,” says Charlie.

The production weaves through the seasons of mental illness, conveying a kaleidoscope of experiences from those affected by their mental health.

“We start with the Autumn of trauma and history, then we go to the cold Winter of symptoms, to the hopeful Spring of recognition and diagnosis and then ending with the beautiful Summer of healing and acceptance.”

The production does not only aim to reach out to those directly affected by mental illness, but also those their loved ones who want to know what they can do.

“If the audience can come away from this experience with a better understanding of how they can help people around them, and come away with a sense of hope, that would be amazing for us,” says Teresa.

However, Teresa and Charlie don’t want anyone to be discouraged from going to see S.A.D if they are affected or triggered by the themes expressed within the production, as it is both light-hearted and accurate representation of the struggles that accompany mental illness.

“The show is honestly such a joy. There is a lot of funny moments and moving moments, but it is exactly the opposite of heavy. It is uplifting, hilarious and colourful,” says Teresa.

Playing six shows between Tuesday 9 October and Saturday 13 October at the Canberra Theatre Centre, Teresa and Charlie will also be taking the production on tour nationally in 2019. They hope that by offering a new and theatrical perspective, they can inspire conversations and fight the stigma around mental health in our community.