A Portuguese theatre company is using the stage to challenge stigma surrounding bipolar disorder. The play, titled Oxímoro, entre Solstícios e Equinócios (Oxymoron, Between Solstices and Equinoxes), aims to educate the public about this mental health condition through a collaboration with medical professionals and patients.
Developed by Marionet, the production highlights the experiences of individuals living with bipolar disorder, countering misconceptions that often trivialize the condition. A short trailer promoting the play emphasizes the biological aspects of mood swings, moving beyond common jokes that equate casual mood changes with the disorder itself.
The project involved thorough research and engagement with experts, including the Integrated Psychiatry Responsibility Center at the Coimbra Hospital and University Center and the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology at the University of Coimbra. According to Mário Montenegro, a key figure in Marionet, the creative process was informed by direct testimonies from patients, healthcare providers, and their families, ensuring a sensitive and accurate portrayal of the disorder.
The play was staged from March 20 to 24, 2024, at the BlackBox of Convento São Francisco in Coimbra, Portugal, with six performances attracting approximately 300 attendees. After each show, audience members participated in a questionnaire to share their experiences. About 54 responses were collected, revealing that emotional engagement played a significant role in enhancing understanding of bipolar disorder.
Montenegro noted, “The emotional engagement from the audience was very strong. It was an emotionally very powerful play.” The analysis of the responses indicated that feelings of empathy and personal identification aided in the assimilation of scientific information, helping to diminish stigma and stereotypes often associated with mental illness.
The play’s structure deviated from a traditional narrative format, featuring multiple characters and scenarios instead of a single storyline. This approach allowed spectators to form their interpretations, fostering a personal connection to the content. Montenegro explained, “An important aspect of our play was not to offer the audience a pre-established interpretation… Everyone could receive the content in their own way.”
The findings from the audience analysis are detailed in a paper titled “Theatre and bipolar disorder: dealing with emotions,” published in the Journal of Science Communication. The research underscores the impact of emotional storytelling in science communication, an area that remains under-explored despite its importance.
Luisa Massarani, a researcher at the Brazilian Institute of Public Communication of Science and Technology, praised the initiative as an effective means of engaging the public with health issues. She stated, “Theater is indeed a very powerful way for engaging people in science and health issues.”
This project represents a growing trend where the arts intersect with scientific discourse, aiming to enhance public understanding of complex health topics. As Montenegro pointed out, the thoughtful orchestration of emotion in performance can significantly enrich the communication of scientific messages, leaving a lasting impression on the audience.
The innovative approach taken by Marionet serves as a model for future initiatives that seek to address mental health challenges through creative expression, ultimately contributing to a broader understanding and acceptance of conditions like bipolar disorder.
