Theater as instrument to promote inclusion of mental health patients: an innovative experience in a local community

People with mental illness often face with stigma. Spreading knowledge in local communities about this disease may positively influence social attitudes, reduce prejudice and discrimination, and promote empowerment and social inclusion. Theatre is an activity to promote socialization and build networks between Public Mental Health Service and a local community. This study explored opinions of professionals, actors-mental patients, their relatives and other actors about participation in playing theatre, in order to analyze changes in well-being and in social inclusion leaded by this experience. Depth interviews and a focus group, audio-taped and transcribed, were conducted with actors, relatives, professionals, audience. Data analysis was based on qualitative methods (software Atlas.ti). Results have highlighted perceptions about well-being and capabilities, supported the importance of such experience and showed relevant issues for enhancing empowerment, promoting health, and building social networks.