What do you usually do when you need to be 'healed'?

John Huy Tran's happy smile with his colleagues and audience at the first MENTAL HEALTH PLAYlist performance on the evening of April 28 - Photo: H.VY

These are seemingly simple but powerful questions, causing many people to be startled and ponder after the first MENtal HEALth PLAYlist show by choreographer John Huy Tran and UDG (Urban Dance Group).

Multi-sensory, multi-emotional experience

"I sit quietly alone", "go to sleep", "draw", "listen to music", "chat", "dance". "I am proud to have my family by my side, to not give up". "The last time I said I love you when my father could still hear was a long time ago! Now I say it every time I light incense for him"…

Many stories, genuine and touching emotions were shared because this was not just a simple dance show, but a unique interactive art concept combining dance, live music performance, installation exhibition and specialized workshops focusing on mental health, especially for men.

Audience silently admires photographic works in a space filled with greenery and fragrance - Photo: H.VY

Stemming from John Huy Tran's personal experiences and journey of overcoming depression over the past 4 years, the inspiration of MENTal HEALth PLAYlist creates a touchpoint connecting to the individual stories of each participating artist, and from there spreading to the audience.

Audiences had the opportunity to leisurely experience the sensory room with tree-lined paths and interactive installations with scents; a photography exhibition by two artists, Louis Wu and Arnaud Guibert;

Wintercearic's artwork; John Huy Tran's "mind - body - soul" painting journey during his time facing depression;

Cards with messages, a dance show full of emotions by UDG dancers combined with a projection of works and a lively live music performance...

A corner of the experience and interactive space for the audience to share their emotions - Photo: H.VY

All of this opened up a multi-sensory, multi-emotional experience for attendees. Everyone had the opportunity to pause and look deeply into themselves: how to maintain mental health and peace, not forgetting to say loving words and care for those around them?

The most important anchor is love.

In John Huy Tran's video sharing a diary of his first year of depression, there was a moment he considered to mark a new journey.

That was when Huy accepted that he was sick and needed treatment, truly becoming an insider and no longer just hearing and knowing about depression like before.

What followed was a brutal journey that only after experiencing it did he realize how difficult it was and deeply empathize with those who were in similar situations.

It can be the end point if it is too extreme, or it can be the optimistic starting point for healing.

A moment of John Huy Tran and UDG in the dance show MENTAL HEALTH PLAYlist - Photo: H.VY

That boundary is symbolized by the rows of empty seats on the stage, or the precarious line between the stage platform and the auditorium of the 11:11 Espace art space.

Struggling to put on a "I'm fine" face or accepting the inner dialogue? Fighting to stay anchored or letting yourself fall? Isolate yourself or open yourself up to reaching out for help from those around you?

The creators of MENtal HEALth PLAYlist chose to create a stage as intimate as a living room, opening the door to invite everyone into the house to share, and give each other a reminder: don't forget to preserve the loving connections!

The show conveys many complex inner emotions of people on the journey of facing depression and healing - Photo: H.VY

In this seemingly easy-to-connect yet lonely digital age, we are all used to finding ways to "recharge" ourselves when we run out of energy or balance ourselves in the face of events.

But when things reach the point where they can no longer "heal on their own", people always need each other.

After all, the final anchor, the strongest motivation for each person to overcome the most difficult stages in life is certainly still love.

After all, everyone longs for connection and encouragement from loved ones - Photo: H.VY

It is the companionship, encouragement, and unconditional love from the closest relatives, stemming from a deep desire to share and accept the complex inner parts of each person.

And one more very important message: sometimes we don't have as much time as we think, so let's care and share love from now on!

The MENtal HEALth PLAYlist show and related activities will continue to be open from now until April 6 at the art space 11:11 Espace (HCMC).

Some pictures at the show MENtal HEALth PLAYlist:

John Huy Tran with his drawings on his journey against depression

A scene from the dance ENtal HEALth PLAYlist

Two guest dancers perform interactively at the show MENtal HEALth PLAYlist

The MENTAL HEALTH PLAYlist story represents the diversity of each artist's inner self.

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/ban-thuong-lam-gi-khi-can-duoc-chua-lanh-20240329134800796.htm