Exploring the Essence of the Verbatim Theater
The Teatre Verbatim stands out for its authenticity, since each word presented comes from real experiences. The playwrights, such as Marta Montiel and Elies Barberà, are in charge of selecting and editing witnesses collected from the voices of people who have experienced significant experiences. With his new work, ‘A LA DRIVA’, this duo delves into the delicate theme of psychiatric revenue, providing a fresh and honest perspective on mental health.
A trilogy of deep topics
The work ‘A LA DRIVA’ marks the end of a trilogy that addresses difficult and controversial subjects. The first installment, ‘Never forget me’, focused on youth suicide, while ‘it will be our secret’ treated intrafamily sexual abuses. Now, the third part is focused on the complexities of psychiatry, exploring the experiences of individuals who have suffered various mental conditions, always with the support of expert Lara Díez Quintanilla, who contributes his training in psychology to dramaturgy.
You see that they resonate
In ‘Drift’, Montiel and Barberà give voice to people of various generations, presenting testimonies that have spanned from the past decades to the present day. The experiences of depression, schizophrenia and other mental disorders are narrated by both the affected and their relatives. Marta Montiel emphasizes the importance of not forgetting relatives, who also experience the consequences of mental illness.
Stories that change perspectives
The duality of the voices on the stage offers a new dimension to the narratives on mental health. Montiel emphasizes how the experiences shared by the admitted person and their relative can transform the way we perceive the difficulties that surround mental health. Stories of yesterday and today are mixed to show the evolution of the treatment and understanding of mental illnesses.
A space for humor and lightness
Despite the severity of the topics that are addressed, the show does not escape in moments of lightness. Montiel notes that humor emerges from the same experiences of the witnesses, who often use jokes to deal with their reality. This provides a necessary balance and allows the public to connect with the stories in a more accessible way.
A Trip that begins in Barcelona
‘A drift’ premieres this Wednesday in Tantarantana, and will be available until May 25. As in the previous productions, discussions will be organized with experts in psychiatry and psychology, enriching the experience of the public. The work has resorted to several cities, and Montiel reveals that the reactions of the witnesses they have attended have been deeply emotional, emphasizing the impact of its history represented on stage.
A message that resonates
With a respectful and careful approach, Montiel and Barberà transform personal experiences into an art that not only reports, but also causes reflection. ‘A LA DRIVA’ is not only a play, but an invitation to understanding and conversation about mental health, a topic that affects us all. For those interested in mental health, this show is an opportunity that cannot be passed.
