Theater as a Platform for Mental Health Awareness in Singapore
Life After... depression: Turning to theater to spotlight mental health

Image: Inquirer
Priscilla Khong, executive director of Gateway Arts in Singapore, uses theater to address mental health issues among youth. After facing her own struggles with depression, she promotes dialogue through performances like 'Every Brilliant Thing' and 'Scaredy Kat Presents', aiming to destigmatize mental health discussions and provide support for young audiences.
- 01Priscilla Khong experienced severe depression during her teenage years, feeling unworthy despite a seemingly privileged background.
- 02Gateway Arts, which Khong leads, focuses on theater productions that address mental health, with performances followed by discussions led by professionals.
- 03The theater company staged 'Every Brilliant Thing', a play about suicide and depression, which included post-show discussions with audience members.
- 04Khong's personal experiences with self-harm and her journey to recovery inspire her work in mental health advocacy through the arts.
- 05Upcoming productions, like 'Scaredy Kat Presents', aim to help children articulate their emotions and develop emotional regulation.
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In Singapore, Priscilla Khong, the executive director of Gateway Arts, has turned her personal battle with depression into a mission to promote mental health awareness through theater. Growing up in a seemingly perfect family, Khong faced significant mental health challenges during her teenage years, leading her to self-harm and reckless behavior. After becoming a mother, she found purpose in her children, which helped her cope with depression, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Gateway Arts, established in 2017, stages productions that tackle mental health issues, such as 'Every Brilliant Thing', a poignant exploration of suicide and depression. Following each performance, audience discussions facilitate open dialogue about mental health, allowing attendees to share their experiences. A particularly impactful moment occurred when Khong connected with a young man who was contemplating suicide, illustrating the theater's potential to foster understanding and support. Upcoming shows like 'Scaredy Kat Presents' aim to empower younger generations to express their emotions, bridging the gap between emotional awareness and regulation. Through her work, Khong seeks to destigmatize mental health challenges and provide a safe space for conversation.
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The theater initiatives provide a platform for young people to discuss mental health openly, potentially reducing stigma and encouraging those struggling to seek help.
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