Gerais : Revista Interinstitucional de Psicologia
ISSN 1983-8220
SANDER, Jardel. Experiments with theater and madness: for another form of relationship. Gerais, Rev. Interinst. Psicol. []. 2008, 1, 2, pp.164-171. ISSN 1983-8220.
The text describes a theatrical experience of working with users of a mental health service. It demonstrates the need for a new form of relationship, taking the theater - as body expression, non-representational and, above all, non-psychodramatic - as a means to enable a new modality of relationship. From the work with mental health services users participating in a theater group, it aims at reflecting about some prudence needed (especially of mental health professionals) when entering the mental illness field. In a similar way, it shows how it is possible to achieve a less hierarchical and more empowering perspective of action. It points out the need for reinventing the psychological practice among mental health services users, as well as highlights the necessity of a deeper involvement on the mental health professionals' behalf.
: Madness; Mental Health; Theater.