Bratři & Sestry

Brothers & Sisters is a production inspired by young people’s real-life experiences with mental health. It draws on documentary materials and audience feedback from Divadlo NIE’s production Museum of Memories. The production Brothers & Sisters explores what it is like to face one’s own mental health challenges, as well as how to support a loved one going through a difficult time.

In Brothers & Sisters, set design and lighting design play a crucial role—they create a space reminiscent of rooms that are both transparent and enclosed. The music and songs for this production were composed by Helder Deploige; they serve not only as accompaniment but also comment on and support the storytelling and the characters’ actions themselves. The production is a comprehensive theatrical experience that combines physical and visual theater, music, songs, humor, and storytelling.

The play follows the reunion of five young people as they attempt to piece together the events that led to the breakdown of their friendship. They gradually uncover the circumstances that caused their relationship to fall apart when they were 15, due to the mental health struggles of one of them. The production focuses on mental illness in close relationships, particularly among young people. Mental illness is a significant and unpredictable burden for both the patient and their loved ones. Based on documentary material gathered from the testimonies of young people who are struggling with mental illness or who have provided support to friends or loved ones suffering from such illnesses, Divadlo NIE has created a performance about the human mind, bright spring light, the instinct for self-preservation, and the power of darkness. As in all of Divadlo NIE’s work, humor plays an important role here as well. Among other things, we would like to open a discussion about the fact that even in the challenging situation that mental illness brings, there are many bright moments and moments of self-discovery. The set design will consist of two “houses” made of transparent fabric. These will serve as spaces representing various locations (in addition to specific places, they can also represent different feelings) as well as for projections. The performance will take place within and around these “houses.” The musical component consists of original compositions written specifically for this production, which the actors themselves will perform live on stage. In addition to the artistic work, this project aims to create a more comprehensive picture of the current state of mental health among today’s young people.