By Angela Cotoara, Professional Foundation
While traditional therapeutic approaches remain essential, creative interventions like autobiographical theatre have emerged as powerful tools for fostering emotional healing, self-expression, and resilience.
Vulnerable young people often navigate complex and intersecting challenges that impact their mental well-being. Many VYP have experienced adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, or exposure to violence, which can lead to long-term psychological distress. Feelings of alienation or exclusion, often stemming from systemic inequalities or stigma, can exacerbate mental health struggles.
Limited access to mental health services, particularly in underserved communities, leaves many young people without the resources they need to cope.
These factors create a pressing need for innovative approaches that not only address mental health but also empower young people to reclaim their narratives and identities.
Autobiographical theatre is a form of performance art where individuals use their own life stories as the foundation for creating and performing a theatrical piece. Unlike traditional theatre, which often relies on fictional scripts, autobiographical theatre invites participants to reflect on their lived experiences, transforming personal memories into creative expression. This form of theatre is particularly impactful for VYP because it provides a safe space for self-exploration and storytelling. By sharing their stories, participants can process difficult emotions, confront past traumas, and build a sense of agency over their lives.
Autobiographical theatre offers a unique blend of artistic expression and therapeutic value.
Here are some of the ways it supports the mental health of VYP:
Many young people struggle to articulate their emotions or make sense of their experiences. Autobiographical theatre provides a structured yet creative outlet for exploring these feelings. By externalizing their stories through performance, participants can gain new perspectives on their struggles and begin the process of emotional healing.
Performing one’s own story in front of an audience can be an empowering experience. It allows young people to see their lives as valuable and meaningful, fostering a sense of pride and self-worth. For VYP, who may feel invisible or unheard, this validation can be transformative.
Sharing personal stories in a group setting creates opportunities for connection and mutual understanding. Participants often discover shared experiences with their peers, reducing feelings of isolation and fostering a sense of community. Additionally, audiences gain insight into the lives of VYP, promoting empathy and reducing stigma.
Vulnerable young people often feel defined by their circumstances or the labels society places on them. Autobiographical theatre allows them to reclaim their narratives, presenting
themselves as complex, multifaceted individuals rather than victims of their circumstances.
Several organizations and theatre practitioners have successfully used autobiographical theatre to support the mental health of VYP. For example:
Theatre of the Oppressed: Originally developed by Augusto Boal, this method encourages participants to use their personal experiences to explore social issues and envision solutions. Vulnerable young people have used this approach to address topics like discrimination, bullying, and mental health stigma.
Playback Theatre: In this form of improvisational theatre, participants share personal stories, which are then enacted by performers. This process validates the storyteller’s experience and creates a sense of shared humanity.
Community-Based Theatre Projects: Many grassroots organizations work with VYP to create autobiographical performances that highlight their struggles and triumphs. These projects often culminate in public performances, giving participants a platform to share their voices.
While autobiographical theatre holds immense potential, it is not without challenges. Facilitators must be mindful of the following:
Sharing personal stories can be triggering for participants. It is essential to create a supportive
environment and provide access to mental health professionals if needed.
Participants should have full control over how their stories are told and shared. Consent and confidentiality are critical.
Theatre projects should aim to provide long-term benefits, such as ongoing support or
opportunities for further creative engagement, rather than being one-off interventions.
Autobiographical theatre is a powerful tool for addressing the mental health needs of vulnerable young people. By transforming personal stories into art, it offers a pathway for healing, self-expression, and empowerment. For VYP, whose voices are often marginalized, this form of theatre provides an opportunity to be seen, heard, and valued. As mental health challenges continue to rise, integrating creative approaches like autobiographical theatre into broader support systems can help foster resilience and well-being among the most vulnerable members of our society.
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