World Theatre Day: How psychosis survivors are challenging stigma on stage

Comprised of individuals with lived experience of severe mental illness, these groups use Theatre of the Oppressed techniques to challenge stigma, educate communities, and reclaim their narratives.

"I once believed my life had ended after my illness. Theatre helped me break that belief and gave me a voice," says T., a participant from India.

"We put challenges and questions to the people, and they share potential solutions," explains Shazia, a theatre group member in Karachi. "It's important because it helps people understand this illness. Those with affected family members or relatives can care for them better if they know what they go through."

Funded by the UK's National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR), these theatre groups are part of PIECEs, a five-year programme supporting mental health resilience in India and Pakistan. Led by Queen Mary University of London, in partnership with the Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF) in Chennai and Interactive Research and Development (IRD) in Karachi, the initiative highlights how creative interventions can combat stigma surrounding severe mental illness.

Professor Victoria Bird, Head of the Unit for Social and Community Psychiatry at Queen Mary University of London and Principal Investigator for PIECEs, explains:

"What began as a method of community engagement in the research programme has grown into something much larger—giving people meaning, purpose, and a sense of belonging. Crucially, it has also provided a bridge to inclusion in the wider community."

Performing in public spaces, schools, universities, and mental health institutions, participants challenge misconceptions about psychosis through interactive, unscripted performances. Rooted in methodologies pioneered by Augusto Boal, these performances invite audiences to step into the role of a person experiencing psychosis and engage in reflective discussions.

Professor Paul Heritage, Director of People's Palace Projects and Co-Investigator on PIECEs, adds,

"Theatre of the Oppressed is a transformative approach that enables people with psychosis to become powerful advocates for mental health awareness and social change. In this project, we see how theatre can promote community dialogue and dismantle stigma—allowing participants to explore their experiences in a safe environment while also motivating audiences to take action."

A theatre participant sums it up: "I am active because I am now a theatre performer."

More information:
People's Palace Projects (PPP) is an arts research centre at Queen Mary University of London. For the last 27 years, PPP has been asking what role the arts and creativity play in approaching and responding to issues of social justice and development challenges around the world, including in the UK, in favelas and in Indigenous territories in Brazil. PPP is an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation. #ArtsAgainstAdversity www.peoplespalaceprojects.org.uk

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Research Name - PIECEs: Improving Community-based Care of People Living with Psychosis in India and Pakistan

Funder: National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)

Partnering organisation:
Queen Mary University of London, Schizophrenia Research Foundation (SCARF), International Research & Development (IRD), Aga Khan University, and University of Warwick London School of Economics.

Lead research team:
Victoria J Bird (QMUL) - PI UK Padmavati Ramachandran (SCARF)- PI India Anneta Pasha (IRD) - PI Pakistan Onaiza Qureshi (IRD)- Co-I Pakistan Lakshmi Venkatraman (SCARF) - Co-I India Paul Heritage (PPP) - Co-I UK Ashar Malik (Agha Khan) - Co-I Pakistan Swaran Singh (UoW) - Co-I UK Sara Evans Lacko - Co-I UK

Provided by Queen Mary, University of London