A new play titled Oxímoro, entre Solstícios e Equinócios (Oxymoron, Between Solstices and Equinoxes) aims to reduce the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder through a unique blend of theatre and scientific insight. The production, created by the Portuguese theatre company Marionet, was staged in Coimbra from March 20 to 24, 2024, and has generated significant discussion about mental health awareness.
The play was developed with a collaborative effort involving medical professionals, researchers, and individuals living with bipolar disorder. This approach ensures that the representation of the condition is grounded in authentic experiences. As Mário Montenegro, a key figure in the project from Marionet and the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Coimbra, explains, “We felt the need to change our creative process because these were delicate subjects that touched people’s lives.”
The production’s writing process incorporated direct testimonies from patients, healthcare practitioners, and family members. This method allowed the creators to capture a diverse range of experiences, which informed the script’s development. Rather than following a single narrative, the play consists of several scenes that present various characters and situations, reflecting the complexities of living with bipolar disorder.
After each of the six performances, audience members were invited to provide feedback through questionnaires. Out of approximately 300 attendees, 54 responses were collected, highlighting the emotional impact of the play. Montenegro noted, “It was an emotionally very strong play, and the emotional engagement from the audience was very strong as well.”
The analysis of audience feedback indicated that emotional engagement plays a crucial role in understanding and remembering information about bipolar disorder. The study, published in the Journal of Science Communication, suggests that empathy and personal identification facilitated by the performance contributed to reducing stigma and humanizing mental health conditions.
Montenegro emphasized the importance of allowing the audience to interpret the play in their own way. He stated, “An important aspect of our play was not to offer the audience a pre-established interpretation of the illness. We left the interpretation open so that spectators could form their own opinions.”
The initiative has garnered praise within the scientific community. Luisa Massarani, a researcher at the Brazilian Institute of Public Communication of Science and Technology, remarked on the power of theatre as a medium for engaging audiences in scientific and health-related issues. “Despite their significant role, emotions are under-theorized and under-researched in science communication,” she said, calling for more studies on the subject.
The play’s innovative approach to addressing mental health issues exemplifies the potential for art to influence public perception and foster understanding. By intertwining scientific research with compelling storytelling, Marionet aims to spark conversations about bipolar disorder and contribute to a more informed and compassionate society.
The paper titled “Theatre and bipolar disorder: dealing with emotions,” authored by Montenegro, Silvia Carballo, and Francisca Moreira, is part of a special issue in the Journal of Science Communication that focuses on the interplay between emotions and science communication. As the dialogue surrounding mental health continues to evolve, creative projects like Oxímoro may play a pivotal role in changing perceptions and reducing stigma associated with mental illness.
