Rha Goddess’ Show speaks on mental health system

Mental illness is considered a delicate topic many prefer not to discuss.

But poet, hip-hop artists and social entrepreneur, Rha Goddess, aims to spark dialogue through a new method of performance.

Her piece, “Low” will be showing at 8 p.m. tonight in Memorial Hall. Tickets are $20 for the general public and $10 for UNC students.

“Low” is a one-woman show that uses spoken word, poetry and hip-hop as media to create an art form.

Chronicling a woman’s journey and struggles with the mental health system, the show is meant to inform and discuss this important social issue with the audience.

“Low” conveys the alienation and humiliation that can come from mental illnesses.

A part of the Hip Hop Mental Health Project, the piece asks the question: “What is insanity?”

The show uses a combination of humor, anger, sorrow, depression and rage to depict how a series of small acts can tip one into insanity.

Rha Goddess conveys the idea that rather than providing true improvement, the mental health system only provides momentary solutions.

This alternative performance aims to dispel the myths and fears that society has regarding insanity or mental sickness, said Harry Kaplowitz, marketing manager for the Carolina Performing Arts.

The performance is the first of the CPA Loading Dock Series.

The series is meant to create a performance that is just as exciting as the setting, Kaplowitz said.

“Audiences will enter in the side door of Memorial Hall and find seats arranged onstage,” Kaplowitz said. “The performer and audience will share the space, so the experience is very personal and intimate.”

The audience of this show should expect a personal and eye-opening experience, Kaplowitz said.

“The performing arts give you the ability to think and feel from a different perspective, a new angle,” said Reed Colver, director of Campus and Community Engagement.

Colver said Rha Goddess uses a powerful performance dialogue to create numerous responses.

Rha Goddess wants a dialogue to stem from her performance and to leave the audience with the means to discuss the issues of the mental health system in new ways, Colver said.


Contact the Arts Editor at artsdesk@unc.edu.