NCC’s latest theatre production ‘Next to Normal’ is a musical about a family who experiences heartbreak, the complications of mental health and the trauma and recovery that people go through. The show ran from Dec. 2-4 at Meiley Swallow Hall.
Central story
The musical centers around Diana Goodman, a woman who suffers from bipolar disorder. However, throughout the production she remains haunted by the demons of her past. Her son’s death often appears as a prominent character and motif throughout the story. The story surrounds how Diana interacts with her husband and daughter. Shedding light on the complications of suffering from a mental illness. It humanized mental illness and debunked the stereotypes of people who suffer from them. Like Goodman, as people struggling to survive but doing the best they can.
The music added to the emotionality of the whole piece. It displayed how close all of the characters were to their breaking point. However, they try so hard to appear like a typical family that they mask their hurt. Diana expresses the pain that people with mental health disorders go through. Her character presented as a very complex character trying to function as well as she can. Even despite the challenges that she faces. Complex issues such as suicide and grief were raised in the production.
Mental health
NCC’s Theatre Department grapples with the issues in question, which are heavily applicable in today’s society where mental health is a huge issue. The discussion of mental health needs to become normalized, and putting on a production of ‘Next to Normal’, while also having open dialogue about how mental illness and mental health disorders affect people is a crucial starting point.
Amy Keca, 24, who played Diana touched on how important it was to get portray a realistic character suffering from a mental health disorder.
“I’ve always said that I’m playing a woman with bipolar, not a bipolar woman. Stuff like that destigmatizes mental illness and focuses on the character as a whole person rather than just seeing them as just their mental illness,” said Keca.
The nuances of the music served the play well, detailing the undertones of grief and manic episodes suffered by Diana, however there was room for comedy which made the show seem lifelike and like a realistic thing that happen. It definitely humanizes all the characters to imply that everyone goes through struggles and mental wellness should be paramount, as people who suffer from such conditions are trying their best to be as normal as they can.
Resources
If you or a loved one is struggling, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Dyson Wellness Center.
