A recent theatrical production in Coimbra, Portugal, aimed to combat the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder through a unique blend of science and performance art. The play, titled Oxímoro, entre Solstícios e Equinócios (Oxymoron, Between Solstices and Equinoxes), was presented by the Marionet Theater Company from March 20 to 24, 2024, and involved an extensive collaboration with medical professionals, researchers, and patients.
The endeavor began with a deep commitment to accurately represent the complexities of bipolar disorder. Mário Montenegro, a key figure in the project, emphasized the importance of informed storytelling. “We felt the need to change our creative process because these were delicate subjects that touched people’s lives,” he stated. This approach included interviews with patients, doctors, nurses, and family members, allowing the creative team to construct a narrative that resonated with real-life experiences.
The play’s objective was not only to entertain but also to educate and reduce stigma associated with mental health issues. Audience members were engaged emotionally, which, according to the analysis of feedback from approximately 300 attendees, significantly aided in the assimilation of scientific information. Out of those surveyed, 54 provided insights into their experiences, highlighting the play’s strong emotional impact.
Emotional Engagement Enhances Understanding
The initial results of the audience feedback were published in a special issue of the Journal of Science Communication. The findings indicated that emotional responses, such as empathy and personal identification, played a critical role in how the audience processed and remembered information about bipolar disorder. Montenegro noted that “emotions, when guided thoughtfully through staging and language, can enhance the message’s accuracy and memorability.”
The production team ensured that the interpretation of the play was open-ended, allowing attendees to form their own opinions and reactions based on personal sensitivities. This approach aimed to humanize the illness and challenge the misconceptions that often surround mental health conditions.
Montenegro, who has over 25 years of experience in theater, acknowledged that the shift towards health-related topics was relatively new for Marionet. The company collaborated closely with the Integrated Psychiatry Responsibility Center of the Coimbra Hospital and University Center, ensuring that the scientific component was integrated from the inception of the project.
Broader Implications for Science Communication
The significance of this theatrical approach extends beyond the stage. Luisa Massarani, a researcher at the Brazilian Institute of Public Communication of Science and Technology and a guest editor for the special issue, highlighted the potential of theater as a powerful medium for engaging audiences in science and health issues. “Despite their significant role, emotions are under-theorized and under-researched in science communication,” she remarked, underscoring the need for further exploration of this topic.
Montenegro’s team hopes this innovative project inspires similar initiatives worldwide, fostering a deeper understanding of mental health through emotional engagement and artistic expression. The paper titled “Theatre and bipolar disorder: dealing with emotions,” co-authored by Montenegro, Silvia Carballo, and Francisca Moreira, is part of the ongoing conversation in the field of science communication.
As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, productions like Oxímoro, entre Solstícios e Equinócios pave the way for important dialogues, making significant strides in reducing stigma and fostering understanding of complex psychological conditions.
