Portuguese Theatre Tackles Bipolar Disorder to Reduce Stigma

A Portuguese theatre company, Marionet, is taking significant steps to combat the stigma surrounding bipolar disorder through a unique theatrical production. The play, titled Oxímoro, entre Solstícios e Equinócios (Oxymoron, Between Solstices and Equinoxes), was performed in Coimbra, Portugal, from March 20 to 24, 2024. This innovative project was developed in collaboration with medical professionals, researchers, and patients to raise public awareness about bipolar disorder while providing a platform for emotional engagement.

The play’s premise is rooted in the understanding that bipolar disorder is often misunderstood. As highlighted in a recent YouTube trailer, misconceptions abound, with people jokingly equating mood swings to being “a bit bipolar.” This trivialization overlooks the disorder’s biological nature and the serious challenges faced by those living with it.

The collaboration between Marionet and the scientific community, including the Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology at the Universidade de Coimbra and the Integrated Psychiatry Responsibility Center, was instrumental from the initial writing phase. Mário Montenegro, a key figure in the project, emphasized the importance of incorporating real patient experiences into the creative process. He stated, “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.”

The script for the play emerged from interviews with patients, doctors, nurses, and family members. This approach ensured that the portrayal of bipolar disorder was both authentic and sensitive. Rather than following a linear narrative, the play comprises various scenes featuring multiple characters and situations, allowing for a broader exploration of the topic.

Following the performances, audience members were invited to complete questionnaires to gauge their emotional responses. Approximately 300 attendees participated, with 54 providing feedback. The results revealed that emotional engagement was key to their understanding of bipolar disorder. Montenegro noted, “It was an emotionally very strong play, and the emotional engagement from the audience was very strong as well.”

The findings, published in a special issue of the Journal of Science Communication, indicate that empathy and personal identification significantly aid in assimilating scientific content. Audience members reported that these emotional connections helped to humanize the illness, challenging existing stereotypes and stigma.

Montenegro highlighted the intentionality behind the play’s design, stating, “An important aspect 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.” This approach allowed for varied personal reactions, emphasizing the diversity of experiences related to mental health conditions.

The broader implications of this project extend beyond the stage. Luisa Massarani, a researcher at the Brazilian Institute of Public Communication of Science and Technology, praised the initiative as a powerful tool for engaging audiences in health discussions. She noted, “Despite their significant role, emotions are under-theorized and under-researched in science communication.”

The collaboration between the arts and sciences exemplifies a growing trend to address mental health issues in innovative ways. As more organizations explore the intersection of theatre and health education, it is hoped that initiatives like Oxímoro, entre Solstícios e Equinócios will inspire similar projects worldwide, fostering a more informed and compassionate understanding of mental health challenges.