At the annual Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS-CA&EN) Forum, held in Prague from 3 to 6 November 2026, Nataša Todorović and Milutin Vračević conducted a workshop based on the play “Waiting for the Rain”, developed as part of the Age Against the Machine project.

The aim of the workshop was to demonstrate to participants the connection between ageism and the mental health of older persons, as well as the different ways in which age-based prejudice and discrimination can affect dignity, autonomy, social relationships and psychological well-being.

Through selected scenes from the play and a joint discussion, participants had the opportunity to explore different forms of ageism and their consequences in everyday life. Particular attention was given to discrimination against older persons in the labour market, violence against older women, and the experiences of older persons in institutional care settings. The discussion addressed how feelings of exclusion, loss of autonomy, threatened identity and social isolation can affect mental health and overall psychological well-being.

The workshop generated considerable interest among participants, who actively engaged in the discussion and exchange of views. The value of using theatre as an innovative approach was particularly recognised, as it enables audiences to explore, through stories and experiences presented on stage, the position of older persons and the challenges they face from a different perspective.

The findings of the project were also presented, highlighting the potential of theatre to encourage reflection on attitudes towards ageing and older persons. Although certain paternalistic attitudes towards older persons remain prevalent, the experience of the project shows that art and emotional engagement can create an important space for dialogue, reflection and the recognition of prejudices that often remain invisible.

The presentation at the MHPSS Forum confirmed the importance of connecting art, mental health and the human rights of older persons. “Waiting for the Rain” demonstrates that theatre can be more than an artistic expression – it can be a powerful catalyst for dialogue on ageism, the experiences of older persons, and the need to recognise and respect their dignity, autonomy and right to full participation in society.