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An event featuring 10 popular spoken word artistes hopes to use art to engage and encourage dialogue about mental health
Jackie Thakkar and Megha Rao
"We're aiming to create a tangible change by stimulating healthy discussions. We want to collaborate with like-minded individuals, reach out to our audience and build a community," says head of the organisation, Tara Kapur.
Tara Kapur
Speaking of why they chose spoken word as the medium for the event, associate producer Pankhuri Ranjan tells us, "We believe that expression, art and performance are some of the most effective and engaging ways to open up a conversation and get the audience to participate."
Pankhuri Ranjan
The host for the show and performer, Jackie Thakkar echoes this when he says, "It's a safe space for artists and audiences alike who are looking to talk about their issues. As someone with high functioning anxiety myself, I am beyond elated to host it."
But it's artiste Megha Rao — also on the roster for the event — who sums the thought most poignantly. "For me, speaking about mental health through my poetry isn't about creating awareness or telling ignorant people 'hey please believe me', it's more about telling people who are suffering 'we can get through this together.'
ON July 20, 8 pm to 10 pm
AT OverAct, Alternative Theatre Space, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova.
RSVP facebook.com/VitaminStree
FREE
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