This week, Jared Bowen dives into "Mindful: Exploring Mental Health Through Art" at Fuller Craft Museum and reviews "Unveiled," the one-woman play by Rohina Malik and "Shakespeare in Love" at SpeakEasy Stage Company.

"Mindful: Exploring Mental Health Through Art," on view at Fuller Craft Museum through April 22

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"Depression" by Joan Iversen Goswell.
Joan Iversen Goswell, courtesy of Fuller Craft Museum

A new exhibition at Fuller Craft Museum examines the impact that mental illness has on our society. "Mindful: Exploring Mental Health Through Art" features 33 works by 14 artists working in various mediums. By addressing topics such as depression, anxiety, PTSD and psychopharmaceutical drugs, the exhibition uses art as a platform to destigmatize mental illness and promote discussions of mental health. “This is a pointed and personal show,” said Jared. “It’s an exhibition you both see and feel.”

"Unveiled," presented by New Repertory Theatre through Jan. 28 and Greater Boston Stage Company Feb. 2-16

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Rohina Malik writes and stars in "Unveiled."
Andrew Brilliant / Brilliant Pictures

Playwright and actress Rohina Malik brings her one-woman play "Unveiled" to Massachusetts. Inspired by a real-life instance of religious hate, "Unveiled" tells five unique stories of Muslim women in a post-9/11 world. These first-person narratives grapple with issues of language, culture, religion, stereotypes and hate. “I found that hate crime never begins with the weapon,” said Malik. “It begins with an atmosphere of negative stereotyping about a group of people and degrading language.”

"Shakespeare in Love," presented by SpeakEasy Stage Company Through Feb. 10

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George Olesky and Jennifer Ellis in "Shakespeare in Love."
Nile Hawver/Nile Scott Shots, courtesy of SpeakEasy Stage Company

An Oscar-winning film is reimagined for the stage in "Shakespeare in Love." This theatrical romantic comedy tells the story of a young William Shakespeare struggling with writer's block as he tries to finish his latest work, "Romeo and Ethel, The Pirate's Daughter." When the noblewoman Viola disguises herself as a man to appear in Shakespeare’s play, the two fall in love, necessitating some flowery rewrites. "It's hugely entertaining," said Jared, "drunk with the intoxicating spirit of theater." 

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