Creating a Musical in Order to Build an Understanding of Depression Disorder for Patient’s Companions

Abstract

This research focuses on creating a musical theatre piece to build an understanding of Depression disorder for patient’s companions. The researcher chose to present this work through the medium of musical theatre, featuring multiple characters and perspectives. The research process involved gathering information on depression through books, academic sources, and interviews with experts and individuals with lived experience. This information was then distilled into the design of characters and storyline. The narrative centers around four main characters, each a close contact of a person with depression, representing different relationships such as romantic partner, father, mother, and sibling, thereby illustrating the diverse perspectives of those close to individuals with depression. The resulting musical, titled Spotlight on Sunset, with data collected through audience questionnaires and panel discussions with experts in theater arts and psychiatry. The findings indicate that the researcher effectively conveyed comprehensive information on depression and the dynamics between patients and their companions, fostering a deeper audience understanding of individuals with depression. However, the performance's lengthy storytelling sometimes caused a loss of audience engagement, due to extended segments of dialogue and songs that may have been unnecessary.