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Robert Mokaraka
Actor Rob Mokaraka will hold a show in Warkworth to share his experience of attempted suicide in an effort to save people’s lives.
He says the aim of Shot Bro – Confessions of a Depressed Bullet is to give people the tools to address “mental distress and suicidal ideation” in themselves and others.
“Its humorous, dark, real and educational,” Rob says.
Rob, who now lives in Maungakaramea, had a very public mental breakdown in 2009.
He called police to his Point Chevalier home, tipping them off that an armed madman was behaving threateningly.
When Police arrived, Rob himself paraded a meat cleaver and provoked officers in an attempt to commit suicide.
“They shot me in the chest at close range.”
Rob survived the incident and has since been sharing his story of recovery. He has been touring communities in Australia and New Zealand for the last four years.
He has also presented the show to businesses ranging from Downers to his Hutt Valley Kindergarten Association. Perhaps the most important part of the show is the discussion forum held afterwards.
Rob says attendees often laugh or cry from the sense of relief they get from finding out they are not alone in their thoughts.
“It helps people because they may identify with something they see in the show that encourages them to talk about their own feelings.”
He says everyone is welcome to attend.
“Suicide has no prejudice, and if we don’t deal with it, it will sweep us off a cliff.”
Rob was invited to do the show in Warkworth by Terry and Maxine Axford of the Coconut Gallery.
Their son Forrest recently rode a bicycle from Cape Reinga to Bluff to raise funds for suicide prevention efforts. Some of the money he raised will support the Warkworth show. It has also been supported by Healing Through Arts Action Trust.
“It takes a village to save a village. I’m just one person in this aroha machinery” Rob says.
The show is at the Warkworth Town Hall on Friday, April 9, at 6.30pm.
Need help?
Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
