Employing theatre to translate the indescribable as an intervention in a mental healthcare scenario
Abstract
This article explores Alex, an augmented reality (AR) applied theatre performance designed as an intervention for young people with eating disorders, specifically targeting alexithymia. Developed through a collaboration between creative industries and psychology researchers at the Queensland University of Technology, the project combines ethnodramatic scripting and ethnotheatrical performance with AR, mobilising theatre's capacities for empathy, connection and catharsis within a clinical context. The AR characters operated as empathetic avatars, using digital augmentation to support participants who struggle to articulate emotion and externalise and communicate feeling. The study contributes practice-led insights to applied theatre, demonstrating how AR can extend therapeutic possibilities.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Art Therapy and Mental Health
Counseling
Therapy
and Family Dynamics
Psychotherapy Techniques and Applications
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Research in Drama Education The Journal of Applied Theatre and Performance
- Publisher
- Informa UK Limited
- Volume
- 31
- Issue
- 2
- Pages
- 169–179
- Publication date
- 19 February 2026
- Language
- EN