Using theatre to explore complex and sensitive health issues

Researchers at the University of Southampton and a theatre company are exploring how ‘verbatim theatre’ can start conversations, share experiences and influence policy decisions related to people’s health.

Verbatim theatre is a form of documentary theatre where plays are created using the exact words spoken by people in real-life interviews or documented sources. 

Theatre for Life’s performance The Feeling (of knowing something is wrong, but it isn't), at Mayflower MAST Studios, explored female hormonal health and gender identity experiences. It was created using hundreds of voices from focus groups taking part in a University of Southampton research project, ‘From Puberty to Menopause’. Participants were at different stages of their hormonal lifecourse (puberty, motherhood, infertility, and menopause), and discussions with LGBTQIA+ people and the perspectives of teenage boys and men aged 14+ were also included. Participants shared their experiences and how they’ve shaped their lives and identities.

At its core, the play is a cry for help from a community of voices who have felt silenced. The performance aimed to increase understanding around female reproductive health care and LGBTQ+ health care inequities, as well as generate discussion around the language we use to make healthcare in Southampton and England not just accessible, but equal to all.

After the performance, policy makers, healthcare professionals, the cast and the audience discussed the topics raised and how they can be used to tackle health issues in Southampton and across the south.  

Among the audience were students from Upper Shirley High School, some of whom had never been to the theatre before.

Emily Bridges, Head of English, said the performance had a profound effect on those who went to see it, adding: “The response from all of our young people was brilliant – they really enjoyed the show and loved the way the story was told.  The music and singing were mentioned a lot – this was a real highlight for some students. It was lovely to hear them enthusing about it.”

Fran White, Associate Director of Policy, Innovation and Partnerships at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, was also in the audience. She said: “The play was amazing and helped me as a local policymaker, to reflect on people’s experiences related to gender-based care and women’s health services and what we could do locally. There was a quote about healthcare professionals which really resonated with me. It helped to re-energise me and remind me why I do what I do.”

‘From Puberty to Menopause’ was a multidisciplinary project at the University of Southampton involving LifeLab, the Faculty of Medicine, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities and the Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, funded by Public Engagement with Research, the Interdisciplinary Fund and Southampton Institute for Arts and Humanities.

Kath Woods Townsend, LifeLab Programme Manager, said: “Bringing the arts and theatre together to explore our feelings about our bodies and health, is a very powerful way of explaining complex and sensitive issues, especially with a young audience. It can help people understand and encourage positive change.

“This production is a creative and heartfelt way to safely facilitate conversations about everyone's unique journey from puberty to menopause. We are incredibly proud to be a part of it and grateful to everyone who took part in our focus groups. We hope it will lead to ongoing positive discussions that will lead to better understanding.”

The Feeling (of knowing something is wrong, but it isn't) was supported by the Propel Associate Artist Programme at Mayflower Studios and Young Southampton. Theatre for Life is now planning to take the production on tour to connect with wider audiences throughout the South.

Michelle Smith, Artistic Director and Founder of Theatre for Life, added: “Our goal is to empower young audiences by creating connections to their own and others' experiences through authentic theatre and creative exploration. We want to support young people and staff in accessing real experiences related to hormonal milestones, inspiring future generations on their journey from puberty to menopause. 

“We are very grateful to everyone who gave their time and spoke so openly about their experiences, which have shaped our performance and to the people who came to see the show and gave their honest feedback. We hope it will help spark more conversations and push the health agenda forward that is inclusive and accessible to all.”