The University’s Theatre Arts Program and Departments of English and Psychology presented a panel discussion, Drama Across Disciplines: Mental Health Portrayals in “Next To Normal,” on April 10.
Moderated by Assistant Professor of Theatre Arts Eric Parness and Professor of Psychology Rebecca Burwell, Ph.D., the panel discussion centered upon the portrayal of mental health in the musical “Next to Normal,” and the role of trauma and grief in mental health issues and how trauma-informed interventions can complement traditional psychiatric approaches.
Winner of three 2009 Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize, “Next to Normal” explores how one suburban household copes with crisis and mental illness and was performed by the Theatre Arts Program on campus, April 10-13.
The panel discussion was followed by the opening performance of “Next to Normal” in Ely Studio Theatre.