The Art of Health Brings Perinatal Mental Health to Life Through Theatre

On 24 September 2025, Nhaka Gallery in Harare hosted the premiere of Shadows of Motherhood, a film by The Health Research Unit Zimbabwe (THRU Zim) that shone a light on the lived experiences of women during and after pregnancy and underscores the urgent need for mental health support in the perinatal period.

As part of this important initiative, The Art of Health delivered a powerful theatre performance that complemented the film’s message. Our talented performers, Chiedza Matabuka and Nyarie S. Nyika, used drama, dance and raw emotional expression to reflect the realities of young mothers and pregnant women in Zimbabwe, creating a moving, immersive experience for the audience.

This collaboration was made possible through partnerships with S.A.L.T Africa, Neotree, UCL Grand Challenges, and the UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) International Development programme. Together, we continue to use creativity and the arts to spark conversations, challenge stigma, and advocate for much-needed mental health support during the perinatal period.

Shadows of Motherhood and The Art of Health’s theatre performance are reminders that storytelling through art is a powerful tool for awareness, empathy, and change.