THE issue of mental health will be centre stage after Redditch professional theatre company Jestaminute Community Theatre (JCT) won an Arts Council England grant.
The money will be used by the community interest company to develop their next work, a trilogy of plays about mental health called ‘Baby Blues’.
It’s aim to is look at the journey of two couples struggling with various aspects of postnatal depression.
The production follows on from Jestaminute’s critically acclaimed show ‘The Gary & Robert Blues’ which explored men’s mental health.
It is believed about one in eight women experience moderate to severe postnatal depression, which can severely affect every aspect of the development of their child and that ten per cent of new fathers also experience mental health issues related to postnatal depression.
Director of JCT, Andy Higgitt said: “we are delighted with this funding award, which will allow us to work with renowned movement director, Naomi Said, fresh from the West End and currently working with the RSC.
“Our work is produced by researching real life stories and then creating fictional narratives.”
The curtain will lift on the production at The Everyman theatre in Cheltenham on September 22 and 23 at 7.45pm and then at 2.30pm at Atrix in Bromsgrove on September 24 .
The work is also being supported by The Everyman Cheltenham, Redditch Mental Health Action Group, Redditch and Bromsgrove Councils, Worcestershire County Council through Worcestershire Arts Partnership, and Bromsgrove Arts Alive.
Anyone wil has experienced PND ( either personally or as a family member of friend of someone who has ) and would like to share their story in confidence can contact Jan or Andy on 01527 514 049 or email [email protected]
