Portuguese Theatre Company Raises Awareness of Bipolar Disorder

A Portuguese theatre company is tackling the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder through an innovative production, “Oxímoro, entre Solstícios e Equinócios” (Oxymoron, Between Solstices and Equinoxes). The play, performed by the **Marionet Theatre Company**, ran from **March 20 to 24, 2024**, in Coimbra, Portugal. It aims to educate audiences about bipolar disorder by intertwining artistic expression with scientific research.

The initiative arose from a recognition that societal perceptions often trivialize the complexities of mental health. Statements like “I’m already a bit bipolar” reflect a misunderstanding of bipolar disorder, which has a significant biological component. The play seeks to change this narrative by providing a platform for informed discussions on mental health.

Through collaboration with doctors, researchers, and patients, Marionet developed a script that integrates scientific insights with personal narratives. **Mário Montenegro**, a key figure in the project, stated, “We felt the need to change our creative process… We realized we needed to be even better informed.” This approach involved interviews with patients, healthcare providers, and families, ensuring that diverse perspectives were represented.

The production featured multiple scenes and characters, rather than a single narrative arc, which allowed for a broader exploration of the theme. The audience’s emotional engagement was integral to the project’s success. After each of the six performances, attendees were invited to complete questionnaires to assess their experiences. Approximately **54 out of 300 attendees** responded, revealing that emotional resonance significantly aided their understanding and retention of information about bipolar disorder.

Analysis of the audience feedback indicated that empathy and personal identification played crucial roles in diminishing stigma and stereotypes surrounding mental illness. Montenegro emphasized that emotion can enhance the accuracy of the message when thoughtfully integrated into the performance. He explained, “An important aspect of our play was not to offer the audience a pre-established interpretation of the illness… We left the interpretation open.”

The findings from this initiative are documented in a paper titled “Theatre and bipolar disorder: dealing with emotions,” published in the **Journal of Science Communication (JCOM)**. The authors, including Montenegro, Silvia Carballo, and Francisca Moreira, argue that theatre is a powerful medium for engaging audiences with scientific and health topics. **Luisa Massarani**, a researcher at the Brazilian Institute of Public Communication of Science and Technology, noted the under-explored role of emotions in science communication and expressed hope that this project inspires further research in the field.

Emphasizing the need for continued dialogue on mental health, the Marionet Theatre Company illustrates how creative expressions can foster understanding and empathy. As society grapples with the complexities of mental health, initiatives like these are essential in reshaping perceptions and reducing stigma.