The outbreak of the pandemic has intensified the vulnerability and social exclusion of people with mental health issues. In order to mitigate the effects of such a great stressor like a global health emergency, the StaGe of Mind team decided to use the tools of the performing arts, more specifically theatre. Through its implementation, indeed, it is possible to reduce the feeling of isolation and the emotional and psychological consequences that this period of time has generated in this population.
We live in an increasingly individualized society, in which isolation and competitiveness generate levels of stress and anxiety that are difficult to bear alone. The symptomatology associated with these issues can be at least reduced through mutual support and by developing a feeling of belonging to a group/network. To support this process, there is a need to work to increase the confidence and creative skills of the people to make them able to manage themselves in this complex system.
Rayuela Producciones Teatrales have been working with Intras service users – people with mental health issues – for almost four months now, bearing this premise in mind. During these first months of implementation of the StaGe of Mind programme, special attention is being paid to the way to engage these participants and to try to generate the feeling of a cast, of a compact group.
The fact of developing and organizing classes from this perspective contribute to the creation of a safe environment, in contrast to the “external” world, which can be a violent and unstable space. Being aware of the support provided by the rest of the cast, participants can feel free and confident to experiment, can get to know their limits and even expand them if they feel comfortable.
In one of the first sessions, participants were asked what they wanted to improve and/or develop during the workshops and several answers had to do with gaining self-confidence, being able to express themselves better in public, getting the tools to act on stage… Gradually, a feeling of wellbeing is being achieved and by acquiring new skills they allow themselves to move more freely and to share their voice with the rest of the group in a meaningful and determined way.
Rayuela approaches this work from the concept that “this may seem easy, but what appears to be simple is often very complex”. From that point, the work is oriented to find a common ground, in which attention is paid to the little things: how people walk, where the column begins and ends, how a text can be shared with other member of the group, what decisions are made, what are the reactions to new proposals, etc.
This conscious and paced way of working together creates a space of well-being and trust that allows the participants to improve their mood and to feel that they have a time and space each week in which they can creatively develop themselves and support other in a respectful environment.
