Event 3: Ken Wells The Center Cannot Hold
Today I attended the online presentation with Kenneth Wells and Elyn Saks regarding his opera The Center Cannot Hold an operatic masterpiece that centers around the experiences of Dr. Elyn Saks, who draws upon her own tumultuous journey with schizophrenia to craft a deeply personal and captivating narrative (Novak, 2021).
In this presentation, I was able to understand the bridge between the realms of psychology, science, and art that "The Center Cannot Hold" bridges, employing a multidisciplinary approach to illuminate the intricate nature of mental illness. The opera serves as an embodiment of the potential synergy between these disciplines that I never thought could intersect, highlighting their ability to further our understanding of complex human experiences (Wells, The Center Cannot Hold Presentation, 2023). I really enjoyed learning about the comprehensive exploration of the human psyche that the opera offered as well as the journeys of Wells and Saks respectively to where they are now as professors and professionals.
This presentation catalyzed me to think back to Unit 7, Neuroscience + Art and our exploration into the intricacies of the human mind (Vesna Week 7 Lecture Part 1, 2023). For instance, through the libretto and the characters' narratives, the opera draws upon scientific research to shed light on the intricate workings of the human mind (Wells et al, 2023). It explores how disturbances in brain function and neurotransmitter imbalances can contribute to the symptoms and manifestations of schizophrenia.
UCLA psychiatrist composes opera to tell hope-filled story about schizophrenia | UCLA
As the characters navigate their mental health struggles, their interactions with mental health professionals and their own introspection may reflect aspects of Freudian psychoanalysis or the broader field of psychology influenced by Freud's theories (Vesna Week 7 Lecture Part 2, 2023). By integrating scientific understanding into the storytelling, the opera presents a more accurate and nuanced depiction of the condition, allowing the audience to gain insights into the scientific aspects of schizophrenia. Affecting 24 million people globally as well as some of my family members, schizophrenia and mental health in general is such an important issue and I am glad I could learn more about it today.
Works Cited:
“39 Schizophrenia Statistics & Facts (Prevalence).” Life-Changing ABA Therapy - Cross River Therapy, www.crossrivertherapy.com/research/schizophrenia-statistics#:~:text=Globally%2C%20there%20are%2024%20million,the%20global%20population%2C%20have%20schizophrenia. Accessed 6 June 2023.
Novak, Carissa. “The Center Cannot Hold .” Harvard Global Health Institute, 22 Apr. 2021, globalhealth.harvard.edu/the-center-cannot-hold-event-synoposis/#:~:text=The%20opera%20is%20based%20on,on%20her%20experience%20with%20schizophrenia.
Wells, Kenneth, et al. “The Center Cannot Hold: A Chamber Opera.” UCLA Center for Health Services and Society, 1 Aug. 2021, hss.semel.ucla.edu/tcch/.
Wells, Kenneth, et. al. "The Center Cannot Hold Online Zoom Presentation Moderated by Victoria Vesna." 6 June 2023.
Vesna, Victoria. Neuroscience+Art Week 7 Lecture Part 1, 2023.
Vesna, Victoria. Neuroscience+Art Week 7 Lecture Part 2, 2023.
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