Alex Ritson

It's called the Teatro Patologico, literally the pathological theatre, and all the actors have learning difficulties or mental health problems, ranging from depression to anorexia.

In many places, there is still a stigma attached to people with mental disorders and learning difficulties.

But by putting these actors on stage, the audience is encouraged to celebrate their talents.

And they've taken their plays across the world.

The Teatro Patologico have taken on many classics, from Pinocchio to Medea, but this play, A Journey from Darkness to Light, has particular resonance for its lead actor, Paolo Vasselli.

That report by Isabella Jewell.

And that's all from us for now, but there'll be a new edition of the Global News Podcast later.

If you want to comment on this podcast or the topics covered in it, you can send us an email.

The address is globalpodcast at bbc.co.uk.

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Use the hashtag Global News Pod.

This edition was mixed by Rebecca Miller and the producer was Muzaffar Shakir.

The editor is Karen Martin.

I'm Alex Ritz and until next time, goodbye.

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the UK.

This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service.

I'm Alex Ritson, and at 16 Hours GMT on Thursday 18th December, these are our main stories.

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