RECONNECT

“Re-connect”: When Theatre Becomes the Best Medicine for Young People

Plàudite Teatre, in collaboration with a research team from Primary Care at the Catalan Institute of Health (ICS) and with financial support from the Department of Health of the Government of Catalonia, is launching the Re-connect project. Its aim is to investigate how regular theatre practice can positively impact the emotional well-being and development of children and young people.

Running until 2028, Re-connect is a project that combines science, education, and art to address one of society’s most pressing issues: youth mental health. It also fosters an interdisciplinary collaboration between healthcare researchers and performing arts professionals, bringing theatre closer to healthcare culture and paving the way for future social and cultural innovation projects. This initiative positions theatre not only as a form of artistic expression but also as a key tool for health.

The project arises in response to the psychological consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which severely affected mental health, particularly among children and young people.

It is part of Plàudite’s Art Salut programme.

The Power of Theatre

With its potential to explore emotions and situations from a creative perspective, theatre has long been regarded as a promising means of improving physical, emotional, and mental health. With over two decades of experience in the performing arts, Plàudite Teatre has empirically observed the emotional benefits of theatre practice. However, until now, rigorous scientific studies demonstrating the specific impact of theatre on mental health have been scarce—particularly in multicultural urban environments such as L’Hospitalet de llobreagt, Barcelona.

This project aims to bridge that gap. Over four years, a research team will assess the impact of theatre on Year 4 primary school students from two schools in the city. The results will be compared with a control group of students who will not receive the intervention.

PRESS REVIEW

Aula L’H, A fons.09/04/2025 –  El programa Reconnecta’t de Plàudite Teatre a l’escola Sant Josep el Pi 

Diari LH 10/03/2025  El teatre pot incidir en l benestar emocional d’infants i joves?

LH Digital 18/02/2025 Plàudite Teatre i l’ICS Investiguen l’impacte positiu del teatre en el benestar emocional dels infants

Polièdrica, 30/01/2025 Re-connecta’t | Projecte

Interacció, Diputació de Barcelona 17/12/2024 “Re-connecta’t”: Quan el teatre es converteix en la millor medicina per als joves”