Play raises awareness of mental illness in the Milwaukee community
11/15/17 04:34:pm
Rogers sponsored a performance of the play “Pieces: in my own voice” and provided a resource table on October 25 at the Milwaukee Area Technical College. The play was hosted by MATC for the second year in a row as part of the campus’ mental health awareness day and was attended by roughly 200 people.
Performers showed the audience what it is like to live with schizophrenia, ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, PTSD, and anxiety. “Pieces” was written and directed by Brenda Wesley, director of education and outreach for NAMI Greater Milwaukee.
Following the play, co-director of Rogers InHealth Sue McKenzie presented on how to be supportive and listen to those facing mental health challenges by introducing the Safe Person Seven Promises decal. She says that events like the play are important to help spread further awareness and understanding so that mental health stigma can be reduced.
“The Pieces play creates space for learning and conversation,” Sue says. “The vignettes are powerful portrayals of various experiences of challenge and the play ends by celebrating recovery. The fact that all of the actors have been touched by mental health challenges adds depth to the talk back session.”
Rogers InHealth partnered with the Pieces producers on several other school events this fall as well.
