Macedonian play: "Fear & Shame" putting mental health issues in the spotlight

Above: St George Hospital Director of Mental Health David Pearce, Playwright of “Fear & Shame” Dushan Ristevski, and Ted Quan ECC Chair

Mental health is a prevalent issue in our community. Mental health professional and noted Sydney playwright Dushan Ristevski has written a ground breaking play “Fear & Shame” in his native Macedonian language highlighting the complexities that confront a family living with mental illness.

The award winning play opened to full houses. This is an issue that deserves such a creative medium for awareness-raising in all ethnic communities.

ECC Chair Ted Quan was pleased to offer the support of ethnic communities to encourage Mr Ristevski to have the play translated into other languages, along with the support given by St George Hospital in staging the powerfully written play. The barrier of language was transcended by a superb cast along with humour that was laced through the intensity of the dialogue.

We look forward to seeing the play published in English next.

Congratulations go to Dushan Ristevski, the cast, and to St George Hospital Mental Health Service for their support of a worthy initiative for culturally and linguistically diverse communities.