Coorong Conversations Matter Address Health Through the Performing Arts
Sound mental health is essential to our daily lives and the ability to function and work is paramount to the health and wellbeing of workplaces, families and communities.
This March, Coorong Conversations Matter and Coorong District Council are proud to present the award-winning play Carpe Diem across four regional locations.
Carpe Diem is a contemporary portrayal of Australian males dealing with issues of health, grief, loss and depression. Set in a fictional inland Australian town, Carpe Diem portrays the friendship of Nev, a hard working farmer, and John his stock agent friend. Both have been impacted by the long-running drought, and are each suffering their own personal crisis.
Starring leading actors John Voce (Dr Who, Downton Abbey, Miranda) and Grant Piro (Crocodile Dundee in LA, Seachange, Miss Fisher Murder Mysteries), Carpe Diem is a serious comedy that delivers mental health messages in a way that is entertaining, immediate and highly relevant. It stresses the importance of human connection, mateship and professional care in times of crises.
Written by playwright Megan Rigoni, the play was first inspired by the experiences of people she knew.
“Living in a country town I was aware of how depression, loss and grief impact people’s lives. Life is difficult. Human connection and professional care are vital to our sense of well-being,” says Megan.
Coorong District Council’s Mayor Paul Simmons welcomes the coming performances.
“Following COVID and the recent fires across the district, our communities have endured hardship and some pretty tough times,” says Mayor Simmons.
“We know that rural areas face challenges that can have a serious impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing – especially issues such as isolation, loneliness and drought.
“There is a risk that those who are going through a rough time will withdraw and their struggles will go unnoticed at a point in their lives when in fact, they most need support.
“These shows will bring our communities together and encourage people to think differently about mental health and seeking assistance.”
The Coorong Conversations Matter Suicide Prevention Network (SPN) was established in 2016 to provide valuable support, education, and connection to people across the district.
These regional performances have been made possible through the Coorong Conversations Matter SPN’s application to the Country SA PHN Empowering Our Communities funding program. Successful in receiving $16,000, the network will be delivering four FREE performances across the region:
Sunday, 21 March Peake Memorial Hall
Monday, 22 March Tintinara Soldiers Memorial Hall
Tuesday, 23 March Karoonda Football Club
Thursday, 25 March Meningie Area School
Tickets for Peake, Tintinara and Meningie are available online through Trybooking (www.trybooking.com), or from any Coorong District Council office.
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Contact:
Bridget Mather
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER | COORONG DISTRICT COUNCIL
Phone: 1300 785 277 | E: bmather@coorong.sa.gov.au
