Performing Arts, Applied and Social Theatre, and Health: An Overview of Current Scientific Evidence

The article presents the main results from research on the relationship between the arts -particularly the performing ones – and health, broadly understood as «a state of physical, psychological, and social well-being». The research takes as its reference the report published in 2019 by World Health Organization, which collected and synthesized global-level evidence published between 2000 and 2019, whose main findings are summarized. Building on this milestone publication, the contribution delves into the specific contribution to health provided by the active engagement in performing arts activities. Evidence gained from a scoping review regarding the efficacy of applied and social theatre – that is the kind of theatre made «by, for, and with the community» – are reported. Their effectiveness in different areas of health – namely its promotion, prevention, treatment, and management of diseases – is presented. To contribute to the scientific recognition of the efficacy of the engagement of such activities, a reflection is devoted to how it is possible to evaluate the impact of applied and social theatre’s experiences on health. Thus, the evaluation tools reported in the studies considered are presented, along with some considerations about their use and effectiveness. Finally, some indications of future, major challenges and needs for this area of research are drawn.