Lean On Me – It’s Ok to not be Ok
By Leopold Herter
The mental health drama Lean on Me returns to the Our Lady’s Hall Drimnagh, with its message that it's ok not to be ok.
Written by Loma Kelly Dalton and directed by ‘What Would Ma Say?’ director and playwright Gerard Ronan, who was born in Drimnagh, the play addresses an overview of topics about mental health issues.
Director of Lean On Me, Gerard Ronan
Serious topics like depression, alcoholism, anxiety, stress, panic, OCD’s, sexuality, bullying, suicide and more are involved in the play, that shows there is hope for people who feel worthless and are willing to harm themselves or even take their own lives.
The drama follows six people, from which five are suffering from different mental health problems. The last one is the facilitator, Paula, of the weekly support group meeting for Rachel, John, Fiachra, Breda and new member Sarah.
The play tells the story of the different group members, all facing how their own mental health issues affect their daily lives.
In the hope of finding relief, the group opens up and shares their most intense secrets and fears.
Lorna’s previous work consists of several sketches and pantomimes, which she performed in local theatre groups.
Despite the audience enjoying her cheerful work, she started to write Lean on Me as a reaction of her own feelings of helplessness when she was affected by mental health issues of her own.
She met Gerard Ronan and asked him to direct her play. He was pleased when Lorna approached him.
“Mental Health is a huge problem in our society at the present time we live in and it is our intention to help people to deal with their issues through the medium of theatre and drama.”, said the founder of GJ Productions.
Justifying his choice to help the writer out Gerard said: “I was so moved by the humour, strength and tenderness of Lorna’s writing that I felt the play simply had to be given a full professional production.”
Lorna continued:“I want to spread the word that ‘It’s OK not to be OK’. The huge task is lifting the stigma associated with depression, anxiety and other Mental Health Issues and must be addressed.
“I appreciate the invaluable help of all media in getting that job done. Together we can make a difference.”
‘Lean On Me’ will be performed in Our Lady’s Hall Mourne Road, Drimnagh, Dublin 12, on Saturday, November 23 at 7.30pm.
To get tickets for the play contact John at 086 17955070, Ger at 086 1650432 or the venue on 4439939.
