Ningizim Arts in commemoration of World Mental Health Day is hosting a theatre play at Joburg Theatre to raise awareness around mental health.

ALSO READ: Mental health awareness: Zoleka Mandela uses her voice, so others don’t feel alone

The play titled Endzeni ka jele ra yena (inside his cell), written and directed by Germiston resident Given Maluleke focuses on mental health issues among men and the youth.

Given said he suffered from mental health issues during Covid-19, in 2020, but as an artist, he found his healing in the arts.

“The play focuses on a male figure who lost his employment and a chance to showcase his talent as a musician.

“The storyline was inspired by my real-life experiences and what was going on in the world at that time of the first Covid-19 lockdown,” said Given.

“I went through a lot and had no one to talk to. I found an escape through writing the story. How we tell the story of mental health is through theatre performance accompanied with music,” he said.

“Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder are some of the issues affecting many men across the country,” said Given.

ALSO READ: Mental health services now offered at Primrose Police

Vusimuzi Khoza, also from Germiston and actor and hip-hop artist is the play’s main character alongside Boqaqawuli Gobinca and Mamzo Lukhele.

He said this play comes at the right time of the year, considering that men will be overwhelmed with the pressure to provide for their families this festive season and the world recently celebrated World Mental Health Day on October 10.

He added that to shift the focus on the seriousness of the topic, they added comedy to the play.

“It is an edutainment story. We are going to educate people while we entertain them and make them laugh at the same time,” said Vusimuzi.

“Laughter will be part of the healing process,” he said.

The play, in partnership with Arts Alive, will be staged at Joburg Theatre twice a day on November 16 and 17.

For more information contact Given at 073 114 2472.