Enjoy a solo show by award-winning writer Ben Kassoy.
Celebrating October is Mental Health Awareness Month
As part of its 4th Annual Playwrights’ Splash Festival, Namba Performing Arts Space is showcasing shows that delve into stories of resilience, courage, and the human experience. Presenting three performances with support from Ventura County Behavioral Health (VCBH), Mental Health Services Act, NAMBA is highlighting mental health awareness, support, and understanding within our community.
“Join us in making October a month of connection, support, and hope,” says Executive Director, Tamara Varney, “Together, we can raise awareness, reduce stigma, and build a stronger, more resilient community.”
Opening with a night of poetry on Friday October 18th at 6:30 pm, Ventura’s own Poet Laureate, Phil Taggart will present a multi-media poetry reading from his book Rick Sings to launch two nights of performances that encourage mental health awareness. Over 30 years ago, Phil’s brother Rick, living with mental illness, appeared on his doorstep, forever changing their lives. Through a mix of poetry, visuals, and narrative, Phil explores Rick’s journey, giving voice to mental illness, homelessness, and family trauma. This is more than just a reading—it’s an invitation to witness the raw, personal struggles of the dispossessed, presented with a level of vulnerability that only a homegrown artist like Phil can deliver.
On Friday October 18th at 8 pm delve into the raw and humorous exploration of mental health with “The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack,” a solo show by the award-winning writer Ben Kassoy. “The Funny Thing About A Panic Attack” brings to life poems from Ben Kassoy’s critically acclaimed book, using physical theater, dance, and traditional poetry readings to explore the intricate connections between mental health, art, and personal experiences. The show is a genre-defying blend of humor, heart, and defiant wonder in the face of anxiety, making it a compelling and relatable experience for audiences.
On Saturday October 19th at 7 pm, “Resilient AF: Rising to the Occasion”, written and performed by Kamakshi Hart, follows this heroine’s journey through the dark wood of shame and betrayal as she confronts the chilling ‘Silencer’ and reclaims her value and her voice. Acclaimed for the healing and compassion for trauma audience members receive, men and women alike laugh, cry, sing along and cheer as Hart’s cape-wearing ‘Super-Shero’, Resilience, wins the day in this inspiring tale of triumph over adversity.
Sunday, October 20, join us for Cristina Glezoro and Martin Arreola’s “Mictlan,” an immersive journey through Aztec mythology portrayed through dance, puppetry, and storytelling. This bilingual performance (in Spanish at 6 pm and in English at 7:30 pm) highlights the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.
Join NAMBA for a weekend of thoughtful, poignant, and insightful poetry and storytelling. Tickets for Friday and Saturday night are donation driven, no one turned-away, Sunday tickets are $20. Reserve seats at NambaArts.com. Namba Performing Arts Space, 47 S. Oak St, Ventura.
