As you may know, mental health week was a few weeks ago. You might be wondering why I am writing this article two weeks late: I believe there shouldn’t be one week dedicated to mental health, it should be discussed everyday. It doesn’t discriminate against things like race, age, wealth; it is an ongoing topic which becomes apparent everyday. Dear Evan Hansen is a show close to my heart, it portrays mental health so beautifully, and most people are able to resonate with it in at least one way.
Dear Evan Hansen is a critically acclaimed musical exploring mental health and social media within teenagers. I have been lucky enough to see the phenomenal show twice before it closes, and have seen how much of an impact it has.
The show centres around Evan, played by Olivier Award winner Sam Tutty, who suffers from anxiety and depression, and always feels ‘on the outside, always looking in’. Once an acquaintance from school (Connor) commits suicide, Evan pretends to be his best friend, creating a fake reality in order to feel welcomed and included by a new family and people at school.
When you think of the show’s synopsis, you would assume that it would have a mainly younger audience. However, the seats were filled with people of all ages, from teenagers to parents and grandparents, everyone was sobbing and feeling like they could relate to the show in a different way. From being a single-parent, watching your child struggle, or always feeling alone, the show deeply touched and moved everyone in the audience, and showed how easy it is to overlook mental health.
When the words ‘mental health’ come to mind, it is easy to think that it is a rare occurrence which only affects some people; however, the reality is, everyone suffers from at least one mental health issue, on varying scales. This show really brings to light how everyone may be suffering differently, and teaches us not to lose sight of ourselves. We shouldn’t change ourselves and forget who we are so we can fit in, and we should always show care for the people around us - and consider that there might be things that they’re dealing with behind the scenes.
The first time I watched the show, I sat behind a mother and daughter, who - in Act 2 - hugged each other tightly, not letting go, after seeing the harsh reality of life in the perspective of a teenager and a mother.
When I watched it the second time, I was sat next to two weeping grandparents, who shared stories and tales of their grandchildren during the interval, and grasped each other’s hand tightly near the end of the show.
I feel so privileged to have seen the show two times, and watching three different generations react to the poignant storyline and songs. However, credit where it’s due, this would not be as impactful had it not been for the breathtaking cast portraying these roles, issues and storylines down to a T.
(Left - Grace Wells with Sam Tutty).
Dear Evan Hansen is waving goodbye to London this week, but I hope there is something on the horizon where you can see this amazing portrayal yourself.
By Grace Wells
(The bows):
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