What began as an idea a few years ago has since grown into a project that connects art and science: science communication in the form of theater. The Me & Society Foundation had previously produced performances on difficult topics such as forced marriages, racism, and female genital mutilation. These performances are mainly staged in educational institutions with the goal of raising awareness and making taboo subjects, like mental health, open for discussion. However, they had never collaborated with scientists before—until now. “For us, this is a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between science and society, and to creatively convey knowledge while also centering the voices of young people,” explains Noura Borggreven from the Erasmus SYNC Lab.

“Our role as scientists is twofold,” says Kayla Green. “On the one hand, we’ve shared our scientific knowledge with the theater makers so that, along with the personal stories of young people, these insights could be used to develop the theater script. On the other hand, we will conduct both quantitative and qualitative research on the use of theater as a science communication tool and as a way to engage young people in conversations about mental health and inequality of opportunity.” And according to the researchers, this is much needed. In society, there is growing attention to addressing mental health issues among young people. On one hand, this is great because 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 we can best engage young people in such conversations. Which methods work? And what helps them feel heard and seen without turning their everyday experiences into something pathologized? “Not everyone has mental health problems that require professional help,” Green explains. It is therefore important to explore which methods have a positive impact on young people.

Several performances are scheduled until the summer break, all of which will be shown at vocational education institutions. “We are very pleased with this. It aligns with our mission to bring vocational education and the university closer together,” says Borggreven. After each performance, a dialogue session will take place, where the play and its themes will be discussed. During these sessions, the researchers will conduct qualitative research. They also hope to gain new insights for future research through these discussions.

Never Mind is funded as a Sprint-project by Healthy Start and a grant from the VSBfonds.

Researchers involved: Kayla Green (EUR), Noura Borggreven (EUR), Yara Toenders (EUR), Lysanne te Brinke (EUR), Eveline Crone (EUR), Wanda Tempelaar (Erasmus MC)