Barry playwright tackles the subject of men’s mental health

Glamorgan Star news 02/04/2024

2 minutes read

A BARRY-based playwright, Rhys Deans has written a new play, based on his own experience of coping with mental health issues.

Entitled Talk, Rhys believes it is a “thought-provoking and emotionally charged experience” as it explores the subject of men’s mental health. The play was performed at the Market Theatre, Cowbridge, last month.

Inspired by real-life experiences and the need for open conversation, Talk revolves around three friends who gather at a local pub. As the night unfolds, they gradually open up to each other, revealing their personal battles with mental health. The play explores the struggles, triumphs, and the ultimate power of friendship to heal and support one another during challenging times.

Rhys Deans, writer and director said: “I wrote Talk as a way for me to cope with my personal issues and struggles in 2023 when someone close to me tried taking their own life. To come to terms with the reality of the situation, I began to put my thoughts and feelings down in words, which ultimately became the play”.

Cast members Chris England, Chris Maxwell, Harri Herniman, and Lewis Arnold, all aimed to bring the characters to life, making the audience feel every emotion. The stage play premiered at the Market Theatre, Cowbridge, over three nights last week, 28th – 30th March.

Lewis Arnold, who plays, Dave, said: “I’m incredibly proud to be a part of this production. Talk is not only a humbling experience to be part of, but it’s an incredible privilege to shine a light upon such a heavy subject as mental health.”

For Rhys Deans it’s not just a play: “It is a call to action, an opportunity to start a dialogue about mental health to break the stigma surrounding and promote understanding and encourage those who are struggling to seek help.”

A spokesperson on behalf of the cast stated: “We hope to take it to a wider audience later this year with tentative plans in hand for performances in Swansea and London.”

Seeking help can be difficult.

According to recent statistics, one in four people in the UK experiences a mental health issue each year, and men are less likely to seek professional support compared to women.

In a report by the charity Mind, called ‘10 years on Men’s Mental Health’ it found that around a third of men in 2019 (34 per cent) would be likely to talk to their friends about their problems if they were feeling worried or low for two weeks or more, compared to just over half of women (52 per cent).

These alarming figures show how important communication surrounding mental health truly is. The report also discovered that Men aged 45 to 49 years had the highest age-specific suicide rate (25.5 deaths per 100,000 males versus 11.0 deaths per 100,000 for the general population).

The Charity Mind provides a helpline where calls are treated in confidence. The line is open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays). The number is: 0300 123 3393. Also, Samaritans offers confidential calls and is open 24/7 – their number is: 116 123.