*Anthony Otto Nelson, Jr., left, and Johnny Lee Chapman, III perform "Crisis Materials" at Dix Park. Photo by Caroline Cockrell.*

'Crisis Materials'
LIVE Performance 2022

Join the VITAL Health team at Dix Park on Saturday, May 21, 2022 for a LIVE performance of "Crisis Materials," a movement and spoken word piece that unpacks how COVID-19 and the social unrest in our nation has affected our collective mental health. It also sheds light on the history of the land and park — specifically the Dix Park Cemetery.

"Crisis Materials" LIVE is also a means of recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month, a national movement to raise awareness about mental health. NAMI Wake County has several resources available about the initiative.

The performance of "Crisis Materials" will take place at Flowers Field next to the cemetery beginning at 4 p.m. with a performative interaction with cemetery attendants including VITAL Health co-creator Stacey L. Kirby at the cemetery entrance [SEE MAP].

Immediately following the performance, VITAL Health co-creator Michael S. Williams will guide a discussion with "Crisis Materials" performers Johnny Lee Chapman, III and Anthony Otto Nelson, Jr., along with therapist Simone Jacobs, owner of Takoma Therapy LLC.

There is capacity for 50 seated attendees for the performance. If you are coming in a group of more than two, we ask that each person in your group register.

"Crisis Materials" features an original poem from Chapman, movement from Nelson and VITAL Health flowers made by community members from across the state of North Carolina. These flowers were created at virtual and in-person workshops held during the past two years.

Support for this performance comes from the Dix Park Conservancy.

Weather policy: If there is inclement weather, the program will be rescheduled for a date to be determined. Registered participants will be notified by email.

Know Before You Go

This program is outside, please dress accordingly.
Walking in grass and one uneven terrain will be necessary.
Participants 5 years and older will be required to wear masks at all times except when they are able to physically distance themselves from others.
There are only port-a-potties available for restroom facilities in the park.

About VITAL Health

VITAL Health is an initiative created by Stacey L. Kirby and Michael S. Williams that includes mental health panel discussions, installations, video screenings, workshops and live performances all aimed at taking the stigma out of mental illness and promoting mental health awareness.

About "Crisis Materials"

"Crisis Materials" the short film was edited by Julia Wall and Executive Produced by Stacey L. Kirby and Michael S. Williams. The short film is only available for special events and screenings. Contact the VITAL Health team about a screening.