Evaluating the impact of performance storytelling 

Description

This project involves undertaking evaluative research on two performance arts projects, which involve collaborations between people with lived experience, health professionals and arts professionals. The projects aim to demystify mental distress and gambling harm, reduce stigma and communicate the value of lived experience.  

Listening to Voices Theatre, a lived experience, rights-based project grew out of a psychosocial recovery program at Gateway Health in Wodonga. The project has been running since 2016 and is an example of co-design, creativity, relationship building and advocacy from people who have used the the mental health system. Performances are delivered by four performers who have lived experience of mental distress. 

The group is supported by a mental health professional who contributes their own lived experience of mental distress. Audiences include mental health, health and human services professionals, students and community members. 

Three Sides of the Coin takes a similar approach, seeking to empower people with lived experience of gambling harm to become advocates for change. The project uses personal stories to reduce stigma and humanize people with experiences of gambling related harm. An evaluation in 2019 by Deakin University found that the majority of the 223 health professionals who attended a performance reported increased 

understanding of gambling harm, empathy and confidence in responding to people who have experience of gambling related harm.  

This evaluative research project aims include: 

1. To explore the experience of participants who use lived experience storytelling and performance art in Three Sides of the Coin and Listening to Voices groups. 
2. To document the process and methods used by the Artistic Director in introducing and implementing storytelling and performance art with participants. 

Particular themes to be explored include how lived experience storytelling and performance promote and mediate, personal growth or development; wellbeing; identity; interactions with health and human services systems and self and systemic advocacy.

SERC researcher

• Robyn Martin 

Project date

2024