EVENT: MAD PRIDE YOUTH 2008

Young people in Sydney who are experiencing mental health issues will have a chance to draw a positive crowd and raise awareness when Mad Pride hosts its annual talent showcase.

The 2008 Sydney Mad Pride Talent Quest will show off the work of 15 young people, who will compete for $500 and prizes through dance, drama, spoken word, and music.

“The performers this year responded to a call out for entries into a talent quest … Basically if they thought they had something to share – whether that be drama, music, singing, poetry, physical theatre – then we would encourage them to apply,” says event coordinator James Winter.

“With mental health, these young people are use to being invisible… So asking them to perform (and be visible) is a huge risk for them – they are very brave.”

The event aims to challenge social stigmas associated with mental health in youth culture and to re-engage young people.
The organisers hope that by reducing the stigma, more people will seek help when they need it.

“[Last year], it was really successful and 250 people rocked up. This year we have received a huge response and 95% of the program is by young people for young people. So clearly the word got out there and now young people are really keen to participate. It must mean that next year the gig will be even bigger,” Winter says.

Sydney Mad Pride Youth Event 2008
3 Nov, 6pm. The Factory Theatre, 105 Victoria Rd, Enmore. Free. 9550 3666, www.factorytheatre.com.au