Portuguese Theatre Tackles Stigma of Bipolar Disorder through Art

A new theatrical production in Portugal is challenging the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder through an innovative blend of science and storytelling. The play, titled Oxímoro, entre Solstícios e Equinócios (Oxymoron, Between Solstices and Equinoxes), was performed by the Marionet theater company from March 20 to 24, 2024, at the BlackBox of Convento São Francisco in Coimbra. This initiative aims to educate audiences about bipolar disorder while fostering empathy and understanding.

The project arose from a collaboration involving doctors, researchers, and patients. This multidisciplinary approach ensured that the portrayal of bipolar disorder was grounded in real experiences and scientific research. According to Mário Montenegro, a key figure in the production and associated with the Center for Interdisciplinary Studies at the University of Coimbra, the company has been engaging with scientific themes for over 25 years, but only recently began focusing on health-related topics.

The play’s development involved extensive interviews with individuals affected by bipolar disorder, including patients, healthcare providers, and families. Montenegro explained, “We felt the need to change our creative process, because these were delicate subjects that touched people’s lives. We realized we needed to be even better informed.” This careful attention to personal narratives shaped the script, which consists of multiple scenes featuring various characters rather than a singular storyline.

The performance received positive feedback from audiences, with approximately 300 attendees across six shows. After each performance, attendees were encouraged to complete a questionnaire regarding their experience. Of those who responded, 54 provided insights that underscored 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.”

Analysis of the audience responses revealed that the emotional resonance experienced during the performance significantly aided in the assimilation of scientific information about bipolar disorder. The study, published in the Journal of Science Communication, highlights that empathy and personal identification were crucial elements in reducing stigma and challenging stereotypes associated with mental illness.

Montenegro believes that emotional engagement does not detract from the accuracy of the message. Instead, it enhances the communication of complex topics. 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 significance of this initiative extends beyond the stage. Luisa Massarani, a researcher at the Brazilian Institute of Public Communication of Science and Technology, noted the power of theater in engaging audiences on health issues. “Despite their significant role, emotions are under-theorized and under-researched in science communication,” she remarked, indicating a growing interest in the intersection of emotion and public understanding of science.

The paper, titled Theatre and bipolar disorder: dealing with emotions, authored by Montenegro, Silvia Carballo, and Francisca Moreira, is part of a special issue focusing on emotions in science communication. The research aims to inspire further exploration of how emotional engagement can enhance public understanding of scientific and health-related topics.

As the discourse around mental health continues to evolve, projects like Oxímoro play a vital role in fostering dialogue, understanding, and ultimately, acceptance of mental health conditions. By combining the arts with scientific inquiry, this initiative sets a precedent for future endeavors aimed at dismantling stigma and promoting empathy in society.