Icebreaker: Theaterstück über Depression im Jugendalter | Mental Health Arts Festival

Pupils take the illness of depression out of the taboo zone and the audience becomes a collective of specialists. The play raises awareness about recognizing signs of depression and talking about it openly. The message: depression is curable, no one is alone.

The event will take place in Saal X. All information & free tickets here (please note the respective dates).

The production focuses on two teenagers going through puberty - played by pupils from the Ludwig-Thoma-Realschule in Munich. The audience experiences the two in various everyday scenes, in the family, with friends, doing homework or at parties. In the course of the play, the question arises: Which characters on stage are suffering from serious depression and which are just "in a bad mood"? Can you tell the difference using a checklist?

In order to find answers, the audience is actively involved - everyone receives a symptom checklist for the performance: After each scene, an assessment is made as to whether depressive symptoms are actually present. With accompanying moderation and professional expertise, the audience is thus sensitized to recognize different signs and faces of the illness. The play also highlights the concerns and needs of parents and siblings as well as possible cures.

"Being on a real stage is an incredible opportunity for my pupils. They can surpass themselves and convey an important message to us all!"

Alrun Radebold Sacchetti, teacher at the Ludwig-Thoma-Realschule in Munich

Teacher Jean-François Drożak develops the performances at Gasteig HP8 over several days with pupils from Munich's Ludwig-Thoma-Realschule. Drożak conceived the theater production specifically for middle and high school students of all school types and has been touring Bavarian schools with it for over 10 years. The interactive and therefore very intense discussion takes the strangeness out of depression and creates understanding for sufferers and their immediate environment. This is an important task, as mild to severe depression is one of the most common mental illnesses among children and young people.

• Suitable for young people aged 14 and over, relatives, school classes, multipliers and other interested parties
• Duration: approx. 60 minutes
• Accompanying brochure to download (with voices of experts and sufferers as well as suggestions for teaching)

Content Note: This program includes the topics of depression and suicidal tendencies. Please be mindful, take time to prepare and/or do not come alone.

Sponsored by the AOK Bayern
Patronage: Judith Gerlach, Bavarian State Minister for Health, Care and Prevention and Anna Stolz, Bavarian State Minister for Education and Culture