‘Harder Than This’ Presents The Struggles of the Artistic and Mentally-Ill

Harder Than This – The Musical is an upcoming musical production which shines light on the struggles and mental illnesses faced by those in the pursuit of the arts.

Inspired by the true-life stories of aspiring artists from the UK and Southeast Asia, the musical chronicles 3 short stories, starting from the past as it progresses to the present. As the cast reveal their struggles and failures on the stage, the musical will discuss a variety of issues such as severe depression, anxiety disorder, suicide, drug abuse and so much more.

The musical, brought by Gen Y Production Asia, an independent youth movement of artists from Malaysia, Singapore and the United Kingdom, was produced in collaboration with The Bee, a restaurant, Befrienders, an NGO which provides a suicide hotline, and Nomad, a work-space provider.

The production will be starring Ashlynn Harris and Erica Gens and musically directed by Vincci Chion.

Typically, artists are known to feel in ways much stronger than average, whether it be melancholy, paranoia or empathy. This musical examines this stereotype, presenting these emotions in its vulnerability.

In the pursuit of their dreams and aspirations, the cast of Harder Than This are apart of something much bigger. As mental illnesses become increasingly prevalent, we must remember to recognize the plight of those who surround us and what we, as human beings, can do to exercise our innate ability to love.

In light of the passing of Kate Spade, the American fashion designer, the act of listening and loving becomes all the more important.

In the pursuit of their artistic dreams, many stumble and fall. The cast of Harder Than This have brought the struggles of their own, and so many others, to life. Hoping to break the stigma surrounding mental illness, Harder Than This will help us understand one another in our unseen struggles.

Catch them in theatres from the 5^th to 8^th July at KuAsh Theatre, Pusat Kreatif Kanak-kanak Tuanku Bainun, Jalan Tun Mohd Fuad, Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur, Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

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To read more on the passing of Kate Spade, click here.

Featured image source: Cast of Harder Than This