Here is a transcription of an interview with Monica Civill, member of the BROTS de PALLAPUPAS company, winners of the 1st Josep Clusa Award (2015)
Who made up the company «BROTS»?
People who enjoy theater and are sensitive to the world of mental health. Some members of Brots have a mental health diagnosis, while others do not.
How was the ELLA project born and what is your work about?
The play “SHE” is born from improvisations of experiences from members of our company.
We could say that “ELLA” is a critique of psychiatry, pharmaceutical companies, alternative therapies, and everything that is already spoon-fed to us, everything that doesn't give us time or space to ask ourselves what is happening to us and what we want to do about it.
She explains a rather difficult story, but always rescuing aspects of comedy to help digest the protagonist's experience better.
What is the public's involvement in the final part?
We do Forum Theatre, meaning we present an initial proposal; we show the audience a state of affairs and then invite them to leave their seats and become active participants in the play. This is where the dialogue begins, and very interesting proposals always emerge. People substitute themselves for a character in the play, trying to modify the ending we've presented.
How did you receive the Josep Clusa award?
First of all, it's an award that fills us with immense excitement, both for the members who have been representing “ELLA” for almost 5 years and for those who have been with us for much less time. “ELLA” is our first play, we hold it very dear, and our experience tells us that it connects with people and is well-received, which is very fulfilling. It's a great recognition for us.
Would you recommend other companies participate in the next edition of L'Altre Festival?
Supposedly, they've been 4 unforgettable days, full of emotions, shared moments, seeing other plays, etc. In short, an immersion in theater and performing arts in mental health.
We believe it is very necessary for these proposals to be made, as it is also a way of doing activism in mental health. There are few meeting spaces of this type and sometimes there are scenic proposals that go almost unnoticed through our community. L'Altre Festival is a showcase for these proposals where we can discover small and large gems from the world of performing arts that make us reflect on the world of mental health from different perspectives.
Monica Civill, member of the company BROTS