Airdate: Tempest at the Drop-In

The final instalment of the ABC’s Mental As… week is the documentary Tempest at the Drop-In which captures a unique rehearsal and performance of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

This features mentally ill and socially isolated members of the community performing alongside professional actors John Bolton, Brian Lipson, Bagriana Popov and Joseph Sherman.

This is narrated by Eric Bana.

Filmed over 12 months, Tempest at the Drop-In is an intimate and unique insight into the daily lives of Pat, Marlene, Abdul, Matt, Brian, Stewart, Chris, Mark, Mary Grace and Jenene who all live with a mental illness and attend drama classes at the St Kilda Drop-In Centre.  We also meet Sharon Kirschner, a young psychologist and drama teacher with big hair and an even bigger heart.

Tempest at the Drop-In follows this unusual cast as they rehearse and finally mount their production.  Despite the hardships, the walkouts, nerves, misunderstandings and the tears, there’s an enormous amount of laughter and fulfilment on this roller coaster of a ride.

Tempest at the Drop-In explores the complex and often misunderstood subject of mental illness with honesty, humour and hope.

10:15pm Sunday ABC.