Transforming Lives on Stage: The Power of Participatory Theatre in Mental Health Recovery

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Over the last century, experimental theatre pioneers such as Artaud, Grotowski, Boal, and Brooks have significantly enriched our comprehension of the therapeutic aspects of drama and theatrical endeavors （Schechner, 2017). These practitioners, in various ways, have emphasized the importance of creativity, play, and acting as essential components for the wellbeing of both individuals and societies (Jones, 2007). They suggested in the healing and transformative potential of theatre, advocating that acting allows individuals to explore and expand their range of roles, enabling them to approach old roles in new, healthier ways. Theatre director Nikolai Evreinov (1879–1953), and psychodrama creator Jacob Moreno (1889–1974) shared the view that an actor's personal challenges could be addressed through the transformative nature of the roles they embody, with spontaneity and creativity playing a crucial role in wellbeing and recovery (Jones, 2007; Wilkins, 1999, cited in Torrissen & Stickley, 2017).

Approaches such as psychodrama, various forms of dramatherapy, and applied theatre are employed in clinical and community contexts to foster healing and promote health (Torrissen & Stickley, 2017). Among all, applied theatre has a long-standing history in health and care sectors, is utilized by practitioners (usually not therapists) to address illness and enhance health through drama and theatre activities, preferring to focus on 'health' rather than 'therapy' to describe their approach (Landy & Montgomery, 2012).

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Summary of Torrissen and Stickley (2017) - Participatory Theatre and Mental Health Recovery: a Narrative Inquiry

Torrissen and Stickley (2017) conducted a qualitative narrative inquiry study to explore the impact of participatory theatre on mental health recovery, utilizing in-depth narrative interviews with participants of Teater Vildenvei, a theatre company engaging individuals with mental health experiences. Out of the 15 members, 12 volunteered to participate in the study, all of whom were or had been recipients of mental health services. Actors were invited to talk about their involvement with the theatre group and encouraged to narrate their experiences. So the interviews, ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours, did not follow a predetermined schedule.

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Result

The results of the study showed significant positive outcomes for participants involved with Teater Vildenvei. All participants narrated positive stories about their involvement in the theatre group (for example ‘I am participating because the social aspect is so good. It is a loving environment.’), with narratives describing enhanced well-being in fundamental ways. These improvements were manifested through meaningful activities, social event, peer support, and improved self-esteem. Notably, six of the narratives detailed personal transformations attributed to their involvement in the theatre.

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Two main types of narratives emerged from the interviews. The first type included stories of personal transformation, where participants detailed how their involvement contributed to significant changes in their lives, including gaining confidence, self-worth and sense of belonging. Some of the participants overcame long-standing mental health challenges, found new identities, and developed a profound sense of community and support within the theatre group. It showed the transformative power of theatre participation. The second type of narrative focused on the social and supportive aspects of participation in Teater Vildenvei. Participants expressed the needs of belonging to a community that offered support, respect. And they also wanted the opportunity to engage in meaningful activity. This sense of community was crucial for their mental health recovery, as it makes them feel valued, accepted, and capable of contributing positively to a collective effort. These expressions underscore the transformative effects of participatory theatre on mental health recovery. Participants experienced not only improvements in self-esteem and social engagement but also profound changes in their identity and sense of purpose. The study suggested participatory theatre has the potential to become a therapeutic tool. Furthermore, it insighted into how creative engagement can support recovery processes and foster a sense of empowerment and belonging among individuals with mental health challenges.

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The stories shared by participants highlight the powerful impact of engaging in theatre on their mental health recovery, indicating the crucial role of connectedness and social belonging. As a part of the theatre, participants felt valued and accepted, experiencing a sense of belonging that was pivotal for their recovery by providing a supportive community. This environment fostered enhanced self-esteem and confidence, allowing individuals to positively redefine themselves and undergo significant personal growth. Through their roles on stage, participants attributed positive life changes to this transformative experience, shifting from a passive and isolated existence to becoming active, valued community members. Additionally, the study reveals that participatory theatre serves as a vital outlet for self-expression and a mechanism to combat the stigma and discrimination linked to mental health issues. By adopting new identities as actors, participants could shift from negative to positive self-views, leading to restored identity and empowerment.

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Implication , Strength and Limitation

The implications of the study on participatory theatre and mental health recovery are profound and multifaceted. The study illustrates how engagement in community-based theatre can support all five recovery processes identified by Leamy et al. (2011): connectedness, hope and optimism, identity, meaning in life, and empowerment. These findings are pivotal in understanding how participatory theatre can facilitate an individual’s mental health recovery. This insight holds considerable importance for public mental health, suggesting the rise of an innovative and transformative public health model. It draws on the ancient understanding that theatre possesses the power to heal and rejuvenate health.

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The implications of this study extend to the broader field of public health, highlighting the potential of artistic approaches like participatory theatre as a complementary strategy in mental health recovery. It suggested that such holistic and non-medical approaches can play an influential role in supporting individuals with mental health issues, offering a transformative and empowering experience that enhances their recovery process. In this study, qualitative narrative inquiry approach was employed. The use of this methos allowed for the collection of rich, detailed stories from participants, which offered deep insights into their personal experiences, feelings, and changes over time. This method enables the researchers to capture the complexity of the participants' experiences, including the emotional and psychological benefits of their involvement in theatre.

The study's primary limitation lied in its participant selection and the range of narratives it includes. The members of Teater Vildenvei interviewed in the study who shared their positive experience may not encompass the full spectrum of all individuals involved with the group. It notably omits perspectives from those who left the group, pointing to a potential selection bias. This suggested the findings mainly reflect the viewpoints of those positively engaged and willing to share their stories, potentially overlooking diverse experiences, including those who did not benefit or faced challenges prompting their departure. 

Further investigation could be done into reasons why some may not resonate with participatory theatre or opt to leave, to better understand its efficacy and limitations as a mental health recovery tool. Future research initiatives could also benefit from incorporating quantitative methodologies, utilizing tools such as psychometric scales, surveys, and standardized questionnaires, to investigate the effects of theatre involvement on participants' mental wellbeing. Such quantitative studies would enable a more objective evaluation of the specific aspects of theatre participation that contribute to mental health improvements. By systematically measuring variables like self-esteem, social connectedness, and emotional resilience among participants, researchers can gain deeper insights into how and why theatre acts as a therapeutic medium.

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References

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Jones, P. (2007). Drama as therapy: Theory, practice, and research (2nd ed.). Routledge.

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Landy, R., & Montgomery, D. T. (2012). Theatre for change: Education, social action, and therapy. Bloomsbury Publishing.

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Schechner, R. (2017). Performance studies: An introduction. Routledge.

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Torrissen, W., & Stickley, T. (2018). Participatory theatre and mental health recovery: A narrative inquiry. Perspectives in Public Health, 138(1), 47-54. https://doi.org/10.1177/1757913917723944

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