BRITE Connections
A two-part event about mental health
featuring "Knock Knock" a Teleplay by Megan Ragone
We believe that through thoughtful and tactful storytelling, we can illuminate difficult-to-discuss topics for the purpose of unity, growth, and healing. In the wake of Covid-19, we have found ourselves peeling back the layers of live performance, finding the pieces that could translate to media, and leaning in.
BRITE, along with community partners Hasty Storytelling, Give an Hour, and the Hillcrest Center for the Arts present “Knock Knock,” a short 26-minute story by Moorpark College student and playwright Megan Ragone about mental health and the importance of recognizing someone in mental distress.
Originally intended as a stage play, Knock Knock focuses on two college students sharing a bathroom in a dorm. When one student finds evidence that the other is engaging in self-harm behavior, she finds a way to show that person kindness and love. Please note that self-harm is discussed and implied, though never depicted on screen.
1. Watch "Knock Knock" a short play about mental health above
2. Watch a recording of the Facebook Live discussion with mental health professionals discussing the issues presented in Knock Knock below.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Megan Ragone, a playwright from Moorpark College, wrote and directed “Knock Knock,” the short play to be performed. “Knock Knock” focuses on the concept of self-harm and ways to help someone in mental distress. Ragone, an employee of the Hillcrest Center for the Arts in Thousand Oaks, CA, uses theatre arts to communicate important and, at times, difficult-to-discuss concepts to engage and educate the community.
After the play, Megan, Ragone and a panel of Mental Health Professionals took questions live from Facebook, sharing resources and suggestions for giving and receiving support. The panel includes Evan Simmons, L.M.F.T, Stephanie R. Bien, L.M.F.T, L.P.C.C, and Kirsti V. Thompson, Director of Give an Hour.
BRITE is a youth development program of the 501(c)3 nonprofit organization Reality Improv Connection Inc. BRITE promotes health and well-being through the arts by engaging youth and young adults in advocacy and action around issues they care about, and is made possible through funding from Ventura County Behavioral Health Department, Alcohol and Drug Programs.