Footy drama will encourage young men to think about mental health
A performance of The Rain Maker at Tailem Bend is sure to start some important conversations at the town's footy club this Friday night.
A free stage show about two young footy players and the struggles they face is sure to start some important conversations at Tailem Bend this Friday night.
The Rain Maker is about Billy Jackson, a star footballer and year 12 student whose step-father is an abusive alcoholic, and whose mother’s cancer diagnosis introduces big changes to his life.
His best mate Howie is a dancer who becomes a target for bullies, struggles with anxiety and depression, and takes up football as a way of coping.
Meanwhile, coach Barry Wikileaks supports the boys on the team, but has his own worries about the future.
Through the three men’s stories, the show at Tailem Bend Football Club will explore the realities young men face and the resulting impact on their mental health.
Audience members will be invited to participate in a Q-and-A session with the cast, and mental health service providers, after the curtain falls.
Coorong Mayor Paul Simmons hoped the show would bring people together and encourage them to think differently about mental health and help-seeking.
Farming communities experience mental health issues at twice the rate of the general population, according to promoters Centre Stage Scripts.
However, she’ll-be-right attitudes and a fear of the stigma around mental health issues too often discouraged people from seeking help.
The production will be presented by Coorong Conversations Matter, Wellbeing SA, the Coorong council, Standby and Ski for Life.
- Performance: 7pm this Friday, October 14 at Tailem Bend Football Club.
- Tickets: Free at www.trybooking.com.
- Get help: Talk to your GP; visit Headspace Murray Bridge at 10 Second Street or headspace.org.au; call Lifeline on 13 11 14; call Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800; or, in an emergency, call 000.
Correction: This story has been updated to more accurately reflect the content of the show, which has itself been updated since it was first performed; and a date was corrected in the opening sentence.
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