Mental health and inequality of opportunity among young people are urgent topics that are often difficult to discuss. ‘Never Mind’ is a theatre performance that tackles these themes in a creative and accessible way. This project not only aims to create awareness, but also to build a bridge between science and society. Researchers from the Erasmus SYNC Lab and Erasmus MC have developed this unique performance in collaboration with the Rotterdam Foundation Me & Society.

Theatre as a means of science communication

The performance ‘Never Mind’ combines art and science by using theatre as a means of science communication. The Me & Society Foundation has a history of performances on difficult subjects, such as forced marriages, racism and female genital mutilation. But this is the first time they have collaborated with scientists. The researchers have shared their scientific knowledge with the theatre makers, so that the performance is based on both scientific insights and personal stories of young people. The expertise of the Me & Society Foundation in creating socially relevant theatre pieces, combined with the scientific knowledge of the Erasmus SYNC Lab and Erasmus MC, has led to a powerful performance that is both informative and moving.

How do you start the conversation?

The first performance took place on June 4, 2024 for MBO students of Albeda. The response was positive and the performance provided a safe space for young people to talk about their experiences. After each performance, dialogue sessions were held, in which researchers collected qualitative data to understand how theatre contributes to the discussion of mental health and inequality of opportunity.

Kayla Green of the Erasmus SYNC Lab explains: “Our role as scientists is twofold. On the one hand, we shared our knowledge to develop the script. On the other hand, we are researching theatre as a science communication tool and as a means to talk to young people about mental health and inequality of opportunity.”

There is a growing focus in society on making mental health problems a topic of discussion among young people. There is a clear need among young people to talk about it openly and honestly. At the same time, we also need to ask ourselves how best to engage with young people in such a way. Which methods work? And what contributes to feeling heard and seen, without young people pathologizing experiences from everyday life? “Not everyone has mental health issues that require professional help,” Green explains. It is therefore important to investigate which methods have a positive impact on young people.

Conclusion and follow-up

Until the summer holidays, several performances were scheduled and all of them could be seen at MBO educational institutions. After each performance, a dialogue session took place, during which the performance and the themes were discussed. During the dialogue sessions, the researchers conducted qualitative research, with the aim of gaining new insights for future research.

The ‘Never Mind’ project is funded by Healthy Start and a grant from VSBfonds. With this initiative, we hope not only to raise awareness, but also to contribute to a more open and honest dialogue about mental health among young people.