Deborah Mailman's Call To Action 'How Can the Show Go On' to Be Held at Sydney Opera House

Deborah Mailman's call to action is simple: "We all know the saying 'The Show Must Go On' and the levels of passion, creativity and commitment, that often underpin that phrase. We also need to ask 'How Can The Show Go On?' without sacrificing ourselves, our colleagues, family, or friends along the way."

Mailman's call to action is in support of the Performing Arts & Screen Wellbeing Summit 'How Can the Show Go On' to be held at the Sydney Opera House on Monday 13th November. The summit has been developed by the NSW Performing Arts and Screen Working Group with support from Create NSW and industry.

In early 2016, Entertainment Assist released significant research findings on the high rates of mental illness and suicide for workers in the Australian entertainment industry. Sadly, this report reflected other research findings and what many working in the industry already knew from personal experience.

"We can do better," says Mailman who commits "not just to getting on with the show but to getting our performing arts and screen industry better."

The award-winning Australian television and film actress has recorded a special video message in support of the event. Other speakers involved in the conference include Fay Jackson, Deputy Commissioner of NSW Mental Health, Marie Jepson of the Jepson Foundation, and Susan Cooper from Entertainment Assist who will speak about the new national initiative Australian Alliance for Wellness in Entertainment (AAWE).

Lex Marinos will MC the day's program that includes a NSW sector roundtable led by Entertainment Assist and Everymind to identify AAWE priorities. The summit also includes panels, workshops, as well as practical and inspiring examples of industry and individual approaches to improving wellbeing. It's a day designed for the sector and those who support them to come together, learn from one another and determine a better future.

"The tyranny of production schedules, low incomes and job security, limited access to support resources, drug and alcohol abuse, isolation and intense competition are aspects of our 'glamorous industry' that are often endured in silence and even secrecy," concludes Mailman. "We can no longer ignore the cost."

Tickets for the summit are $35 and include morning/afternoon tea & lunch. They are on sale at: https://www.sydneyoperahouse.com/content/soh/events/whats-on/ideas-and-talks/2017/how-can-the-show-go-on.html

How Can The Show Go On? Performing Arts & Screen Wellbeing Summit is being held from 9am to 5.30pm, 13th November in The Studio, Sydney Opera House. This event is supported by Create NSW.

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