Students' MindPlay win compulsive viewing
26 July 2011
Drama students from Gosford High School were the winners of this year’s youth mental health drama competition, MindPlay.
A student quartet from Gosford impressed the judges at Saturday nights MindPlay grandfinal with a powerful and accurate performance on the often misunderstood mental illness, obsessive compulsive disorder.
Warners Bay High School was runner-up with a play about autism. Third place went to Toronto High School, with their piece on compulsive and impulsive behaviours.
MindPlay seeks to encourage year 11 drama students from the Hunter, Central Coast and Manning to develop portrayals of mental health issues that will improve community understanding, counter stigma and encourage young people to seek help.
It is hosted by Newcastle-based Hunter Institute of Mental Health, a not-for-profit business unit of the Hunter New England Local Health District.
Institute director Trevor Hazell said entries were judged on the accuracy of the mental health message as well as the quality of their dramatic performance. Judges had either health or theatrical backgrounds.
“Congratulations to Gosford High School for a fantastic performance, and to all our finalists who presented with such skill and enthusiasm,” Mr Hazell said.
“This was the 15th annual MindPlay grand final and a testament to the schools from the Central Coast and Hunter regions who took park.
“Improving young people’s understanding of mental health is one of the Institute’s core goals and MindPlay aims to encourage young people to explore this in a creative way.
“Gosford demonstrated this by tackling obsessive compulsive disorder. And with only four cast members managed to accurately portray its impact on a family, its symptoms and complexities,” Mr Hazell said.
The winners receive a free drama workshop with Tantrum Theatre, and a cash prize of $1250, sponsored by Newcastle Rotary Club Enterprise.
More information and photographs of the night are available from www.himh.org.au/mindplay or by calling (02) 4924 6900.
"If you are feeling distressed or need help, talk to someone you trust such as a family member or GP, or call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800. Visit www.reachout.com for more info on children and young peoples' mental health.
Contact: Frances Holz
Phone: 4933 2216