Van Gogh had it. Schumann had it. The artistic community has always had a disproportionate number of mentally ill and mentally distressed people. While illness has been acknowledged as common in composers, writers and poets, few have talked about performers—until now.
Edward Russell White, Jr.’s suicide was the spark that ignited a fire of controversy—a tragedy which has probably changed the behind-the-scenes workings of our business forever. Never again will we see a distraught singer and think, “They just need space.”
We’ve been concerned that some may be offended by an entire issue on mental health. This topic isn’t usually discussed in polite company—especially not in such a personal way. We’ve heard from some that this topic doesn’t need to be addressed—that every job has high stress, and that artists just think their life is harder.
I dare anyone to read the text of this issue and hold to those beliefs. We are now convinced that the performing community must put aside discomfort and face this head-on. While you may be lucky enough to be a stable artist, you are dealing with colleagues, teachers, stage directors, and other professionals who sometimes are not well. When a professional or a colleague is exhibiting symptoms, you need to know that you are not the problem. You also need to know when someone is in danger.
In these pages you will see artists who have an actual mental illness, as well as singers who are feeling hopeless because of situations in the business. Some of these experiences are overwhelming—singers have been misunderstood, misdiagnosed, told their basic personality was illness when it was simply an artist’s nature, had bad reactions to psychiatric medications, had to give up singing, and dealt with terrible hopelessness. One letter was from a young singer now in a mental institution. As a result of our requests, some have told personal stories that they’ve not dared share before.
It isn’t only the sad experiences that move us. From general directors and managers, to singers, to teachers, we’ve seen an outpouring of caring instigated by this tragedy. Expressions of support, cards, and letters have poured in for Ed’s family. To all of you, we thank you, and have passed on your notes to Ed’s family.
We don’t expect to solve anyone’s problems here, but we do expect this issue to open the discussion, and let singers know they are not alone. We can all become aware of the problem, help singers realize what is normal—for an artist—and be supportive and helpful when someone is exhibiting symptoms.
We have not been able to include even a quarter of the responses received. The full text, without names where requested, will be on our website, however; and we encourage you to read these stories. They will change you forever.
It used to puzzle me that after the curtain falls, performers behind the curtain all hug and clap each other on the back and say, “Great show!” “Good job!” “You were fabulous tonight!” I now see that singers are doing this to help each other survive the reality of the low applause, the constant wondering if they are good enough, whether or not there will be a next job. Even without the tendency to mental illness, it is a tough business. We need to support each other. Thanks to all of you who have done just that in the last few months. –CJ Williamson, Editor-in-Chief
