Am I Broken? : A mixed-method analysis of an ethnotheatrical performance about women's experiences with infertility and friendship

• Published in: Arts & health 2024-06, p.1-17
• Main Authors: Binion, Kelsey E, Brann, Maria, Longtin, Krista J
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1753-3015; 1753-3023; 1753-3023
• DOI: 10.1080/17533015.2024.2368774

This study evaluated an ethnotheatrical performance about infertility to bring awareness to the health condition and its impact on friendships. After each performance (  = 2), attendees participated in a talkback session to express thoughts and ask questions about the production; then, they completed a survey describing their overall experience. Analyses included descriptive statistics for Likert questions and a thematic analysis for open-ended responses. Eighty-six percent of attendees found the performance informative about the challenges infertility imposes on everyday life, and more than 60% gained new information and advice on how to talk about infertility. The thematic analysis revealed three themes: learn about the complexities of infertility experiences, develop empathy towards individuals with infertility, and respond appropriately to individuals coping with infertility. The performance offered a safe environment for attendees to learn, understand, and process infertility's complex nature. Creating awareness influenced participants' perceptions and communicative behaviors.