Young theatre-makers from across Scotland get their starring opportunity as they begin their national tour with Scottish Youth Theatre’s latest production Vent. The group of young artists tackle the tough and current issue of mental health in their debut performance. SYT’s chief executive Jacky Hardacre says: “Mental health is a very real issue facing young people. We wanted to focus on a subject that is highly relevant to young people both as theatre makers and audiences”.
Ross MacKay, the newly appointed director for the national ensemble, has lead the team’s exploration into this theme. The performance investigates the connection between mental health and abusive relationships, body dysmorphic disorder and postnatal depression.
The final production will be an amalgamation of storylines that relate to mental health and wellbeing. The idea is that each individual storyline has the recurring link to the Vent – a place where people go to address their challenges and find a solution. One of the storylines has been inspired by the show’s sponsor Richmond Oaks Group, a debt management company. It reflects a study commissioned by the company on the link between debt and mental health. This particular story follows the journey of a woman who has found herself in debt and explores the effect that this situation has on her mental well-being.
The tour will begin in Glasgow at the Tron Theatre next week, and will be followed by performances in Dundee, Aberdeen and Edinburgh. The director believes this show will contribute to the important conversation surrounding mental health, and will resonate with every audience member. Ensemble member Heather Mitchell says: “We can’t wait to take the show on the road.”
Tron Theatre, Glasgow, Mon July 23, Tue 24 July; The Space, Dundee
Wed July 25; The Lemon Tree, Aberdeen, Thu July 26; North Edinburgh Arts, Edinburgh, Sat July 28. Tickets: £12/10
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