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Arts Reporters
Local artists manager and events planner Nokuthula Chari has collaborated with thespian Jasen Mphepo of Little Theatre to host a play this Saturday in honour of men’s mental health month.
In some parts of the world, the month of June is celebrated as Men’s Health Month, while some other countries celebrate it in July.
Then in November, there is the International Men’s Day aimed at creating an awareness for men’s issues, including parental alienation, abuse, homelessness, suicide and violence.
Chari’s production running under the theme, “I am not a Woman, But I Cry”, will see a play dubbed “Beautiful Men” being staged by Jasen Mphepo of Little Theatre and Patsime Trust.
It will feature Mphepo, Farirai Clarence Borerwe, and is directed by Bob Mutumbi.
In an interview with The Herald Arts, Chari said men’s mental health should not be ignored.
“I lost my husband in November 2021 who struggled with addiction, which was a coping mechanism,” she said. “After suffering trauma from losing both parents and a brother, he had to be a man and do life despite that.
“He could not voice the depth of the pain he was living with, alcohol was his tonic until his liver was destroyed. I don’t want Admire Chari’s struggle and subsequent death to have been in vain. If we can raise more awareness of Men’s Mental Health and engage more people to do more, then we will have accomplished much. We are too quiet during Men’s Mental Health Month.”
Chari said it has been very difficult to accept her situation, but noticed that men too needed support and to be strong.
“I am still finding it difficult to accept what happened,” she said. “It’s hard to believe that someone you were so close to is gone. Starting over on your own has not been easy, but family and friends have been a great pillar. My sister-in-law Jacqueline and my mother have been such pillars.
“Men are dying whether by suicide, substance abuse, or even just in their sleep. We need to take this very seriously and continue the drive to make it okay for them to recognise their pain, depression, or pressure and get the help they need. There is more strength in vulnerability than staying silent.”
Chari said there has been a rise in men committing suicide, turning to substance abuse or having mental breakdowns.
“The more we acknowledge the trials and pain they go through, the more we can open channels for them to get the help that they need,” she said.
Chari said to spice up the Saturday show, they were working with various artistes on the night, besides the play.
“The evening starts with a play called ‘Beautiful Man’, it amazingly highlights the perils of men trying to make it in life, from childhood with harsh parenting to the struggles of trying to sustain a family through harsh economic conditions,” she said.
“Other performances are from Griffin Makwiramiti, a renowned lyricist in the hip-hop and poetry circles. Also on stage is singer Adrian Tate and top dancer John Cole.”
Mphepo said theatre plays have created platforms for men to dialogue on mental health issues and take action, especially about accessing services.
“The role played by theatre is important in society,” he said. “When it comes to mental health issues amongst men, it is mistaken for a person who is always sad or moody and unable to take care of their emotions, but rather should be strong and invincible and not cry.
“Generally, in our African setup, a person with mental illness is a vagabond, hence we don’t look at the intrinsic layers associated with mental health such as stress, depression, being overwhelmed, etc.”
Mphepo said the best way was to perhaps first demystify mental illness so that people could come out to seek help and access services without fear of stigmatisation.
Online Reporter