What a marvelous idea. Perhaps it will catch on all over the world.
How schizophrenia patients in Turkey are finding relief on stage
AKSARAY, Turkey — In a state hospital in Aksaray, a small city in Turkey, 30 patients with schizophrenia have embarked on a new life thanks to an unusual therapy their doctor developed. Away from their families and society, withdrawn into themselves and tormented by false beliefs, the patients have performed 20 plays across Turkey over the past year as part of the innovative therapy, and many psychiatrists are closely watching. Along with its positive impact on the patients, the theater stage has served as a means to overcome fear and prejudices against schizophrenics in society.
Summary⎙ Print In a small Turkish city, a pioneering psychiatrist has achieved remarkable success in treating schizophrenia patients with theatrical improvisation.
Author Tulay CetingulecPosted May 17, 2016
TranslatorSibel Utku Bila
The “Count Me In” troupe — the first comprised of patients with schizophrenia in Turkey — are expressing themselves through a play called “A New World Through a Schizophrenic Eye.” Everything on stage is improvised, allowing the actors full freedom of expression. There is no script, and their laughter, anger or weeping is all real.
The director of the project, Dr. Basri Koylu, also takes part in the show, which is an hour and a half long and features music and dancing. It ends with a monologue by the psychiatrist himself. Highlights of the show include solo performances of rap music or Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and even a white-clad performer doing his best to keep up with a professional whirling dervish performing to live music played by a traditional four-man band. Some patients participate by simply watching.
Read more:
How schizophrenia patients in Turkey are finding relief on stage - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
How schizophrenia patients in Turkey are finding relief on stage
AKSARAY, Turkey — In a state hospital in Aksaray, a small city in Turkey, 30 patients with schizophrenia have embarked on a new life thanks to an unusual therapy their doctor developed. Away from their families and society, withdrawn into themselves and tormented by false beliefs, the patients have performed 20 plays across Turkey over the past year as part of the innovative therapy, and many psychiatrists are closely watching. Along with its positive impact on the patients, the theater stage has served as a means to overcome fear and prejudices against schizophrenics in society.
Summary⎙ Print In a small Turkish city, a pioneering psychiatrist has achieved remarkable success in treating schizophrenia patients with theatrical improvisation.
Author Tulay CetingulecPosted May 17, 2016
TranslatorSibel Utku Bila
The “Count Me In” troupe — the first comprised of patients with schizophrenia in Turkey — are expressing themselves through a play called “A New World Through a Schizophrenic Eye.” Everything on stage is improvised, allowing the actors full freedom of expression. There is no script, and their laughter, anger or weeping is all real.
The director of the project, Dr. Basri Koylu, also takes part in the show, which is an hour and a half long and features music and dancing. It ends with a monologue by the psychiatrist himself. Highlights of the show include solo performances of rap music or Michael Jackson’s “Thriller,” and even a white-clad performer doing his best to keep up with a professional whirling dervish performing to live music played by a traditional four-man band. Some patients participate by simply watching.
Read more:
How schizophrenia patients in Turkey are finding relief on stage - Al-Monitor: the Pulse of the Middle East
