Rehearsing at Healesville last week, participants Ellen and Junie.By Kath Gannaway
TOWING the Line – Distorted Perspectives is theatre that aims to make a difference.
It tackles a confronting issue – mental health and community myths.
So who is the target audience?
“Anyone from the community who is interested, concerned or curious,” says artistic director of Third-Way Theatre Xris Reardon.
On that basis, the Memorial Hall at Healesville should be packed.
“It’s looking at community-ness around people living with or caring for someone with a mental health concern,” she says.
“In essence it’s been a process where people from the community have been involved in theatre to look at the issues.
Under the direction of Ms Reardon the group has developed a series of short scenes.
“Each scene ends in a moment of crisis in order to ask the audience how do we create more understanding about the way in which stigma and discrimination, based on a lack of awareness and education, impacts on people living with a mental health issue,” she said.
While the event is “interactive”, Ms Reardon said audience participation was absolutely optional.
“People can just come along and watch, or if they feel they have an idea, or something they want to say they can contribute in that way as well.”
Towing the Line is at the Healesville Memorial Hall on Friday 5 December with performances at 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Entry is by donation. For further information phone Jo Lorey on 5967 2816.
