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Trust Khosa
JASON Mphepo Little Theatre (JMLT) in Eastlea, Harare, will come under the spotlight on Wednesday evening when it hosts a mental health play dubbed ‘Haywire’, which tackles the issue.
Running from Wednesday until October 19, the play is part of the global commemorations of the International Day of Mental Health, courtesy of Chenura Trust.
This year’s commemorations are being held under the theme ‘Mental Health at Work’.
According to its synopsis, the play was conceptualised by Everson Ndlovu to fit the Zimbabwean situation and perception of mental health.
According to the synopsis of the ‘Haywire’, the play is centrally about a man struggling to deal with mental health issues, particularly anxiety, and depression.
The play follows the journey of Morris, a man in his prime, who is trying to navigate his world while grappling with debilitating anxiety and depression – the monster of today’s generation.
Such issues are common at the workplace where men are going through a lot daily.
Ndlovu conceptualised it in line with the World Mental Health Day theme enforced by the World Health Organisation to tackle the matter.
This year’s theme seeks to highlight the vital connection between mental health and work.
The World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) announced the theme for World Mental Health Day 2024, ‘Mental Health at Work’.
“Safe, healthy working environments can act as a protective factor for mental health,” read the WHO’s analysis of the day.
Unhealthy conditions including stigma, discrimination, and exposure to risks like harassment and other poor working conditions, can pose significant risks, affecting mental health, overall quality of life, and consequently, participation or productivity at work the blessing of the United Nations, a number of activities are being conducted globally to mark the day.
Belated cultural activities are also conducted in Zimbabwe to mark this day.
Creatives in theatre, music, and performance arts have played a leading role in promoting this day.
JMLT, Theatre in the Park, Reps Theatre in Harare and other arts hubs in Bulawayo, Masvingo, and Mutare have over the years hosted a series of events to mark the International Day of Mental Health.
Online Reporter