Murrumburrah High Students Head To 2022 Dramatic Minds Festival

Students from Murrumburrah High School will join students from other schools across the region to take part in the 2022 Dramatic Minds Festival at Temora Town Hall.

They have spent months preparing a variety of creative presentations to be delivered and performed tomorrow morning from 10:30 am.

Presentations include drama, short films, dance, and artworks that explore mental health, alcohol and other drug problems from the perspective of the students.

District Clinical Leader for Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) School Link, John Dean has been working with youths from across the MLHD to produce creative expressions of mental well-being, mental illness and related problems.

“The Dramatic Minds Festival started in the region in 2009 and continues to be an excellent way for students to better understand mental health problems and then communicate this to their peers, teachers and local communities,” Mr Dean said.

“Young people have found the period of the pandemic a particular challenge, and we’ve seen increased numbers seeking help.”

“The entries submitted demonstrate that students continue to find the festival a great way for them to express themselves.”

The Temora Community Drug Action Team is a major sponsor of the event and their support has enabled the inclusion of a visiting professional performance in this year’s festival.

“We are really pleased to include a performance of The Rain Maker as part of this year’s festival,” Mr Dean said.

“This production is presented by Centre Stage Scripts, it’s set in a football club and depicts the struggles of two young players and their coach and addresses topics such as alcohol misuse and mental health issues in regional Australia.”

The Dramatic Minds Festival is open to the public and will commence at 10:30 am with the performance of The Rain Maker and a Q and A session with the performers. School entries will begin at 11:30 am.

The festival will also be live-streamed.

While competition is not the primary focus, entries will be judged and prizes awarded for each category with the perpetual trophy going to the entry judged the best overall presentation.

Judges will be looking at the artistic merit of the presentation, the standard of the comment on mental health, and the impact from the point of view of someone who has had a lived experience of mental illness.

Participating schools this year include Ardlethan Central School, Ariah Park Central School, Coolamon Central School, Junee High School, Kooringal High School, Murrumburrah High School, Temora High School, Wagga Wagga Christian College, and West Wyalong High School.

Mr Dean said the contribution of teachers from each of the participating schools continued to be the primary driver behind the success of the Dramatic Minds Festival. “They have contributed long hours and advice in helping students develop their presentations,” he said.

Anyone struggling with mental health or excessive use of drugs or alcohol is urged to speak with their GP or phone the MLHD Accessline on 1800 800 944 to arrange local support.

If a life is in danger, call 000 or head straight to your nearest emergency service.

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