With at least one in every 10 young people suffering with poor mental health, and the huge pressures facing education at the moment, this festival gives young people the opportunity to have their voices heard on these important issues.
The 2018 festival takes place at the theatre from Tuesday 30 January to Friday 2 February, where local children and young people will showcase live performances and films devised around the theme of My Education, My Mental Health.
Now was founded in 2015 by festival director Kath Thompson as part of her work with the RAISE mental health team at Merseyside Youth Association.
She was inspired by her previous work teaching performing arts in South Africa, where she saw the empowering effect festivals had on the young people who got involved.
The festival aims to engage young people in creative discussions around the topic of mental health. Previous festival themes have been Mental Health and Technology, and Mental Health and Children’s Rights, with those taking part devising a piece of dance, drama or film.
In 2018, the opening night will be a ‘Now Festival Sefton’ featuring performances from young people across the borough, while there is also representation from Wirral in the 2018 event.
And MD Productions’ Girl Talk will write a new song around the topic which will be combined with a drama.
Kath Thompson says: “The festival is going from strength to strength. We want to see it continue to be an annual event in Liverpool and see the model rolled out in all cities, getting young people using the creative arts to talk about mental health.
“One of the most exciting elements is taking them on the road after the festival. It’s really powerful when you get young people talking to other young people and sharing their experiences.”
Theatre Manager Rebekah Pichilingi said: “We are delighted the Now Festival is back for another year! The work accomplished through the festival is remarkable, which explores a wide range of crucial issues that young people face today. We cannot wait to welcome the festival back to The Epstein Theatre and urge you to show your support and book your tickets.”
The Now Young People’s Arts Festival is hosted by Merseyside Youth Association in partnership with Liverpool CAMHS, Liverpool Cultural Education Partnership and the Arts Council.
For more information visit: http://nowfestliv.co.uk/
