Mexico launches mental-health theatre contest and community workshops in State of Mexico and Ciudad Juárez

The Universidad Intercultural del Estado de México (UIEM) organized its inaugural Drama and Theatre Competition to highlight mental‑health issues such as gender violence, addiction and violent environments. Ten students from the Xonacatlán campus earned first place with the play “Mil rostros bajo la sombra”. Cash prizes of 20,000, 15,000 and 10,000 pesos were awarded to the top three entries. The jury assessed performance, duration, the way mental‑health themes were addressed and the overall message. Edna Anel Sosa Gómez said, “the audience applauds and the reactions … it transmitted, it reached me, I remembered…”, reflecting the impact of art on viewers.

In Ciudad Juárez, councilor Gloria Mirazo de la Rosa announced a new phase of a municipal mental‑health program in coordination with the Instituto Municipal de las Mujeres and the Centro Libre para las Mujeres. Over the next six months, workshops, talks and support spaces will be provided for women, men, adolescents and families, beginning with a cinema‑forum on 18 July at the Centro Comunitario Manuel Talamás Camandari. Psychologist Yael Trejo stressed “the importance of promoting emotional self‑care and creating spaces that allow people to recognize and address stress, grief, anxiety and family relationships,” as the initiative seeks to build healthier, more resilient communities.