National gospel singer Joshua Rogers joins free mental illness play 'Silent Screams'

Sometimes the most deafening sounds in the universe are the ones no one else can hear. They rattle around your head — from dark whispers to unbearable screams — haunting, taunting, and refusing to be ignored.

Still, millions put up “I’m perfectly fine” facades and pretend mental illness isn’t part of their daily lives.

“They suffer in silence,” said Callie Willis, writer and producer of the stage play “Silent Screams.”

This free one-day-only show, which Willis said it suitable for all ages, is Aug. 5, 3 p.m. at Troy University’s Davis Theatre. Doors open at 2 p.m.

"Silent Screams" has been in Montgomery once before last year. Willis said most of the cast from that performance are reprising their roles. One major addition to the cast is national gospel music artist Joshua Rogers, the 2012 season 5 winner on BET’s “Sunday Best.”

“There will be music throughout the play,” said Rogers, a Greeleyville, S.C., native who plays a counselor. “I will be singing two selections throughout my scenes.”

Rogers said his character opens up about the challenges that led him to become a therapist. The counselor's experiences drive him to give others sound advice.

In real life, Rogers said he’s used therapy it to learn how to properly communicate, and discover more about himself.

“It’s okay to see a therapist,” Rogers said. “It’s a resource that is usable and necessary, and it’s not against your faith. It’s not a blot on your beliefs, or anything like that. It can help by releasing emotions and talking through things, becoming a better communicator, self awareness. Learning different things about yourself that you haven’t been able to quite put your finger on.”

He said leaning on faith is also important.

"One of the biggest things that I got from it was keeping God first… I can’t express how much prayer has gotten me through some situations,” Rogers said.

Along with Rogers, the cast includes: Joseph Mackey (who plays Andre and is director for “Silent Screams”),  Justice Murphy (Toni), Shayla Garrett (shoplifter), Yoko Jackson (Angela), Keltrick Smith (Jesus and host of the play), Sherterrica Williams (Storm), Najwa Hardy (inner child version of Toni), and Funnyman Pat (Sly). The play's production manager is Linda Taylor-Smith.

“They have God-given talent, some of the best in Montgomery,” Willis said.

"Silent Screams" centers on Andre and Toni, who are married. Toni has developed mental issues and pushes her husband away.

Rogers said he's been doing virtual rehearsals to prepare, but he’ll be glad to see everyone in person when he gets to Montgomery on Aug. 4, the day before the show. This will be his first real stop in the city.

“I’m excited to see everyone,” he said.

Shining a light on mental illness

Willis hopes “Silent Scream” inspires people to seek counseling and get the help they need.

“The play’s goal is to let people know that it’s okay not to be okay,” Willis said, “and to break the stigma when it comes to mental health.”

According to Johns Hopkins University, 26% of Americans age 18 and up have a diagnosable mental disorder in any given year, and many have more than one disorder. Last year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that 21.6% of U.S. adults in 2021 were getting mental health treatments.

By that count, almost 11.5 million Americans with mental health conditions don't seek treatment. For Black Americans, the situation is a little dire than for their white counterparts. According to McLean Hospital, around 25% of Black Americans seek treatment, compared to 40% of white Americans.

Part of the reason people don't seek help, especially among the Black population, is the perceived stigma for seeking mental health assistance. There are other barriers, like lack of health insurance and a lack of trust in the healthcare system.

“Before you know it, you’ve had a nervous breakdown,” Willis said.

Anxiety, depression, loss, anger, suicidal thoughts, substance abuse, and deadly acts of violence — it’s not light material, but Willis is no stranger to mental health challenges. She said her husband, Richard Gaynor, is a substance abuse survivor who went to prison. Today, he’s a minister, and will speak about his experiences before the play.

Willis has had her own issues.

“I went through anxiety, and I went through depression,” she said. “Just everyday living affects you mentally, but a lot of people hold it all in.”

Mental issues often stretch back to childhood traumas. In her play, Willis addresses this with Hardy as the inner little girl version of Toni.

“If you don’t release that childhood hurt, it’s going to grow up to adulthood pain and anger, and you’re not going to be able to control it,” Willis said.

The play's message isn’t just for those suffering from mental illness. It's also important for friends and family around them, who are a much needed source of love and support.

“if you break your arm or if you’re in a car accident, people will say pray for this person,” Willis said. People should have that reaction for those who they know are facing mental health challenges, she said.

“Treatment and prayer, it goes along together," Willis said.

Groups associated with mental health will have booths on site for audience members who would like more information.

The play is free, but tickets are required

“Silent Scream” is presented free thanks to donations from Mayor Steven Reed, the Montgomery City Council, Montgomery County Commission Chairman Doug Singleton, and local business sponsors. Tickets are required, and can be downloaded at eventbrite.com/e/silent-scream-the-stage-play-tickets-652228221167

Last year, Willis said around 1,700 got tickets were downloaded, and they had to add an extra performance.

“This play is actually bringing out record numbers of people in Montgomery to a mental health event,” she said.

“Silent Scream” also has another free performance scheduled Sept. 23 in Birmingham’s Boutwell Auditorium.

Eventually, Willis would like to take “Silent Scream” on a national tour, while still keeping it free.

“We don’t want to put a price on it, because that may deter a person from coming,” she said.

Montgomery Advertiser reporter Shannon Heupel covers things to do in the River Region. Contact him at sheupel@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: 'Silent Screams': Gospel singer Joshua Rogers in mental illness play