Acting for mental health: A critical narrative analysis of one person’s recovery process

Abstract

This is a narrative inquiry into a single participant of Teater Vildenvei, a participatory theatre company for mental health service users in Oslo, Norway. The theatre company aims to promote mental health, and this study sought to discover the human processes involved in how people may benefit from participation. There were twelve interviewees and a critical narrative analysis process was conducted upon the data of one of the participants. This inquiry is theoretically driven, using gender theory to interpret and understand the narrative, which is one of loss and rejection, alienation and victimization but ultimately redemption through love, belonging and acceptance. Acting in a theatre company that promotes mental health can challenge patriarchal oppression by giving actors the opportunity to connect and express themselves in a safe environment. We also suggest that love and acceptance within a participatory arts environment can counter masculine domination, abuse, rejection and ultimately promote mental health.