EXPRESS YOURSELF and the Department of Mental Health Present "BOUNCE" at the Citi-Wang Theatre

DMH youth hit the stage with performance greats

BOSTON — The 14th annual performance of Express Yourself, a program of the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and sponsored in part by the Citi Performing Arts Center, will hit the stage of the Wang Theatre, May 21, at 7 p.m., with “BOUNCE.” The performance will feature the artistic talents of more than 150 youth from 14 DMH treatment programs and youth from underserved communities. Express Yourself, an arts and performance immersion program for young people with mental illness and serious emotional disturbance, brings youth out of isolation by celebrating creativity through music, dance, visual arts and theater. The event is free and open to the public.

“This is a true collaboration that focuses on the strengths of these amazing and talented young people who work hard all year to put on an exciting show,” said DMH Commissioner Barbara A. Leadholm, M.S., M.B.A. “These young stars show us that recovery is more than possible — they really shine!”

Under the direction of Boston jazz great Stan Strickland and founder Paula Conrad, Express Yourself is an annual tradition in observance of Mental Health Month. This year’s performance, titled “BOUNCE,” is an explosive celebration with highly charged dance, drumming, a capella singing, art and song. The audience will be treated to a wildly colorful set design created from the collective works of youth who participate at the Express Yourself studio and in various treatment programs in collaboration with professional visual artists. Since 1988, the award-winning Express Yourself, a non-profit organization, has served more than 2,000 youth.

The young performers of Express Yourself will share the stage with special guests, including Strickland; Nancy Ostrovsky, visual performance artist; Lorraine LeBlanc of the famed musical production “STOMP;” and West African drummer Joh Camara. Community a capella group, “Swingtown,” from St. John’s Preparatory School in Danvers will make a special appearance with the youngest members.

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