An inaugural multicultural show coming to Logan next month will aim to break the silence surrounding mental health through the “most pure form” of self expression – culture and arts.
Broken Shackles will exhibit the music, dance, art and storytelling of cultures across the globe – all found right here in Logan.
With more than 70 performers, the Marsden State High School-hosted show expects to celebrate resilience, with a strong message of unity and acceptance.
Assistant coordinator Peter Ndayishimiye said the Broken Shackles initiative was created to address the “mental health issues facing Logan and to address suicide prevention”, while bringing together first nations peoples.
“The theme of the project is self expression, and using arts to talk about about mental health,” Mr Ndayishimiye said.
“I am a refugee from Rwanda and in my culture, talking about mental health in public spaces is looked as crazy or weak, so they don’t give much space to it.
“A lot of people leave mental health unspoken or unaddressed, and that brings up other issues.”
In addition to performances, there will be guest speakers and discussion panels.
“This project will give people the medium to bring forward their concerns and voice their issues through arts and culture,” Mr Ndayishimiye said.
Broken Shackles will be held on Saturday 14 December, from 6-8pm at Marsden State High School.
Mr Ndayishimiye said the creatives behind the show, local Rwandan not-for-profit Imanzi Dance and Music, sought to unite indigenous cultures around the globe through “things we have in common”.
“Such as mental health issues and suicide prevention, and being children and cultures that have been through trauma,” Mr Ndayishimiye said.
“What we hope to achieve is to thank the traditional custodians of the land for actually welcoming us onto the land and giving us a safe space as refugees and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities (CALD).”
Visit brokenshackles.com.au to purchase tickets and to contact the Imanzi team.
