A Feast of Artistry
Simone Kaho from The Literatti opens up about her journey through reTHiNK Possible Worlds.
What is your role in the show? The Survivor.
What is reTHiNK Possible Worlds about?
ReTHINK Possible Worlds is an appeal to the world; that we change the way we look at people affected by mental health issues. I believe the show is all about nourishing empathy and understanding. To show that feelings and challenges faced by people suffering from mental health issues are not so different from feelings and challenges everyone deals with in life. And that by taking away harsh labels and confronting the social taboos that can stop people talking about 'mental health issues' - the people affected have a better chance of recovery – or living well with their issue.
How do you relate to the themes in the show?
I think the central idea of human experience as 'finding a way through a maze' is very universal. The maze rings true for me, I've never been without questions and the constant push-pull tug of decision making; striving towards my goals and away from fears. I've suffered from depression, which felt like about 100 dead ends in a row. It was incredibly hard to admit I was experiencing depression, maybe because I didn't want to be judged or judge myself. After owning it, and reaching out for help, I have a better chance of getting stronger and understanding what my triggers are.
What has it been like creating this production?
Well - it feels great to talk about this stuff. It's been cathartic in that sense, but also a bit of pressure because I want to make sure the positive messages in the show are communicated clearly and well – especially when it comes to the pieces I'm doing. My live poetry performance style has definitely gotten stronger as a result.
What can an audience member expect to encounter?
Genuine emotion and vulnerability in the poets and dancers. A vast and colourful accompanying musical palette which reaches from rock to jazz.
Why do you think people should make sure they see reTHiNK Possible Worlds?
As I said, I believe the show is all about nourishing empathy and understanding. It will be a great feast in terms of the artistry; but people will walk out with hopefully some new ideas about how to talk about, or survive mental health issues or support people around them.
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Simone Kaho ejected herself from a career in sales and advertising in January 2010 and flew down to Wellington to study Creative Writing at Victoria University. While she has performed with the group before, this is the first big show she's worked on with the Literatti. She says she is really close to submitting her Master’s thesis (a collection of poetry) to a publisher, but then, she's been saying that all year. Simone's poetry has been published in Turbine, the Dominion Post and JAAM Magazine.
reTHiNK Possible Worlds is a multimedia theatre experience uniting dance, poetry, performance, music, film and visual art. Tickets available online at www.theliteratti.com.
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reTHiNKWe are working to change the way our community thinks about mental illness / unwellness / distress / being human.
Nearly half the population will have one of these experiences in their life-times. Stigma and discrimination will be among the biggest barriers we face on our journey to recovery.
reTHiNK is here to help you understand that mental unwellness is normal, common and can be recovered from. We are an Auckland provider of the national Like Minds Like Mine programme, funded by the Ministry of Health.
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