LOCKPORT, N.Y. — May marks the beginning of National Mental Health Awareness Month and the Kenan Center in Lockport is holding a special production in hopes of helping to break the stigma on this important issue.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, nearly one in five Americans lives with a mental health condition. That's why the Kenan Center is putting on a production of "Proof," an award-winning play that tackles mental health issues head-on.

It's happening in the newly renovated Taylor Theater, which was once a carriage house that dates back to the 1800s.

Put on by the talented local actors of the Carriage House Players, the Tony Award-winning play follows a young woman whose late father was a brilliant mathematician. She slowly loses herself in the numbers and fears of following in her father's footsteps as her own sense of reality starts to slip.

Organizers say it’s a small step to normalize the topic of mental health and start discussions that could save lives.

“Theater and art, in general, is a really accessible way for people to talk about things that have stigmas, for example, mental health," said Parrish Gibbons Herzog, Kenan Center public relations director. "So to bring in front of people a production that talks about mental health, especially in a family setting, hopefully, that will kind of stir up some conversations at home.”

Ticket prices start at $10 and the first showing takes place this Thursday at 7:30 p.m. 

For more information about the production, click here.