Multidisciplinary artistic practices, focusing on theatre, play a decisive role in improving quality of life and mental health, and in creating new routines and support networks for women with psychological disorders and/or other vulnerabilities living in Tapada das Mercês and Casal de São José (Sintra).

Over the course of two years, these women created a show based on their testimonials and life stories (Mentes que sentem – Minds that Feel), to raise awareness and deconstruct the stigma associated with mental illness. On stage, this group of non-professional actresses share a quilt of stories, lend their voices to each other and narrate their experiences, which include bouts of depression, racism and violence.

The project, promoted by Chão de Oliva – Centro de Difusão Cultural and with artistic coordination by Susana C. Gaspar, is supported by the 1st edition of the PARTIS & Art for Change initiative