Portuguese Theater Tackles Stigma of Bipolar Disorder Through Art

A new theatrical production in Portugal aims to reduce the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder by combining scientific research with compelling storytelling. The play, titled Oxímoro, entre Solstícios e Equinócios (Oxymoron, Between Solstices and Equinoxes), was staged by the Marionet theater company in Coimbra from March 20 to 24, 2024. This innovative project involved collaboration with medical professionals, researchers, and patients to present an authentic portrayal of the challenges faced by those living with bipolar disorder.

The play addresses common misconceptions about bipolar disorder, which is often trivialized in casual conversations. A trailer for the production highlights the importance of recognizing the condition’s biological basis, stating, “People tend to joke about mood swings… and it’s not quite like that, as bipolar disorder has a biological component.” Such statements emphasize the need for a more informed public discourse on mental health.

The Marionet company has a history of integrating scientific themes into its performances, but it recently shifted focus to health-related subjects. Mário Montenegro, a representative from Marionet and the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Coimbra, noted that the creative process for this play was uniquely informed by direct testimonies from patients, healthcare professionals, and their families. This approach allowed the team to gain deeper insights into the lived experiences of individuals with bipolar disorder.

The collaboration with the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology at the University of Coimbra played a crucial role in shaping the narrative. Montenegro emphasized the importance of accurate representation, stating, “We felt the need to change our creative process… to hear, in their own words, their experiences with these conditions.” The play is structured around a series of scenes featuring diverse characters, rather than a singular story arc, allowing for a multifaceted exploration of the disorder.

Following each performance, audience members were invited to complete a questionnaire. Out of approximately 300 attendees, 54 provided feedback. Montenegro remarked on the strong emotional impact of the play, noting, “It was an emotionally very strong play, and the emotional engagement from the audience was very strong as well.”

The analysis of audience responses revealed that emotional engagement was key in helping viewers retain information about bipolar disorder. The interplay of empathy, emotional resonance, and personal identification facilitated a deeper understanding of the condition, contributing to the reduction of stigma and stereotypes. As Montenegro observed, “Emotion… strengthens it, motivating audiences to learn more.”

The findings from this unique theatrical endeavor are discussed in a paper titled “Theatre and bipolar disorder: dealing with emotions,” published in the Journal of Science Communication. This special issue focuses on the role of emotions in science communication, an area often underexplored despite its significance. Luisa Massarani, a researcher at the Brazilian Institute of Public Communication of Science and Technology and a co-editor of the special issue, highlighted the power of theater in engaging audiences with science and health issues.

The success of Oxímoro illustrates the potential of creative arts to foster understanding and empathy regarding mental health conditions. By presenting complex themes in an accessible way, the Marionet theater company aims to inspire further dialogue and research into the emotional aspects of science communication.

As mental health awareness continues to grow, initiatives like this play serve as important reminders of the impact that storytelling can have in changing perceptions and reducing stigma surrounding disorders like bipolar disorder. The hope is that such efforts will encourage more informed discussions and compassionate understanding of mental health issues.

In a world increasingly aware of mental health’s importance, the intersection of art and science may pave the way for greater acceptance and support for those affected by such conditions.