SHOT BRO: Confessions of a depressed bullet
In 2009, Rob Mokaraka, a highly acclaimed actor and playwright, had undiagnosed depression that resulted in him being shot by police in an attempted suicide. Shot Bro: Confessions of a Depressed Bullet is the product of Rob's nine year journey of healing and self-discovery.
The trust first attended Shot Bro: Confessions of a Depressed Bullet while working on Ride to Remember. We were greatly inspired by Rob’s journey and message, both aligning with our recent focus; understanding and processing grief. We therefore decided to fund a handful of shows, thanks to Ride to Remember), taking his aroha into communities that need it.
To date, we have held one show in the Warkworth community, two in the Kaeo community, with more planned for the Auckland region later in 2021.
The reception of these shows have been overwhelmingly positive. Teenagers, adults, and elderly… all have found the courage to get up and share their stories of suicide; how they’ve survived, how their loved ones haven’t, and how they move forward with hope. It’s a profoundly healing experience, one that creates a safe space in which people can feel and express themselves.
“Thanks to the Healing Through Arts & Action trust, I got to connect in with Forrest Axford and Ride to Remember. His hard work has helped bring more fruits of aroha, courage, and sustenance to communities, and has helped me be able to get to these communities with less stress and with more strength. People that may not otherwise have the opportunity to hear my kaupapa now do.”