Theatre Tackles Bipolar Disorder Stigma Through Engaging Performance

A new theatrical production aims to challenge and reduce the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder through a creative collaboration between artists and scientific experts. The play, titled Oxímoro, entre Solstícios e Equinócios (Oxymoron, Between Solstices and Equinoxes), was performed by the Portuguese theatre company Marionet from March 20 to 24, 2024, in Coimbra, Portugal. Developed with input from healthcare professionals and patients, the performance seeks to inform audiences about the realities of living with bipolar disorder.

The initiative stems from a growing recognition that societal attitudes toward mental health often rely on misconceptions. A promotional trailer for the play highlights the frequent trivialization of mood disorders, where individuals jest about their mood swings, using phrases like, “I’m already a bit bipolar.” This mischaracterization undermines the serious biological underpinnings of bipolar disorder.

Collaboration played a vital role in the development of the play. The team worked closely with the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology at the Universidade de Coimbra and health practitioners from the Integrated Psychiatry Responsibility Center at the Coimbra Hospital and University Center. Mário Montenegro, a key figure at Marionet, explained that the creative process was informed by interviews with patients, doctors, nurses, and families. This approach aimed to ensure that the delicate nature of the subject matter was treated with care and authenticity.

The script features various characters and scenarios, allowing for a multifaceted exploration of bipolar disorder rather than a linear narrative. This structure encourages audience members to engage with the material on a personal level. The play ran for a total of six performances, attracting approximately 300 attendees. After each show, audience members were invited to complete feedback questionnaires, with 54 participants sharing their experiences.

The findings from these questionnaires revealed that emotional engagement significantly aided the audience’s understanding of bipolar disorder. The study published in the Journal of Science Communication highlighted how empathy and personal identification with the characters contributed to the assimilation of scientific information. This emotional connection has the potential to reduce stigma and humanize the experiences of those living with mental illness.

Montenegro emphasized the importance of allowing audiences to form their own interpretations of the material. He stated, “An important aspect of our play was not to offer the audience a pre-established interpretation of the illness or of the situations represented in each scene. We left the interpretation open so that spectators could form their own opinions.” This strategy encourages diverse reactions and reflections, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Critics have noted the growing significance of incorporating emotional narratives in science communication. Luisa Massarani, a researcher at the Brazilian Institute of Public Communication of Science and Technology, remarked on the potential of theatre to engage audiences in discussions about health issues. She pointed out that while emotions play a crucial role in understanding scientific concepts, they often remain under-explored in the field of science communication.

The insights gathered from the production and subsequent audience feedback contribute to a broader conversation about the role of emotions in communicating complex health topics. As research continues to emerge on the intersection of theatre and mental health awareness, initiatives like Oxímoro pave the way for more empathetic and informed discussions regarding bipolar disorder and other mental health conditions.

In conclusion, the Marionet theatre company’s innovative approach to addressing bipolar disorder through performance art not only entertains but also educates. By bridging the gap between scientific research and artistic expression, the production offers a compelling platform for increasing public awareness and reducing stigma associated with mental health.