“Cicely and David”: Exploring the transformative power of theatre to communicate palliative care among university students

Background: Many people still lack a clear understanding of what palliative care is and the value it brings. Although recognized by the World Health Organization as a fundamental human right, palliative care remains inaccessible to many. This lack of awareness and genuine understanding hinders its integration into health systems. Art—and theatre in particular—can offer innovative ways to connect with the public. Objective: To explore how a theatrical performance about the origins of palliative care can influence students’ understanding and attitudes. Design: A qualitative descriptive study with an interpretivist approach. Methods: The study examined the impact of the play Cicely and David on university students. The play dramatizes the early development of palliative care through imagined dialogues between Cicely Saunders and David Tasma. Audience members ( n = 42) completed an open online questionnaire, and data were analysed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Students reported improved understanding of palliative care and its historical foundations. The performance evoked strong emotional responses and personal reflection. Key values such as empathy, accompaniment, and focus on quality of life were highlighted. Theatre was perceived as an effective and transformative way to convey the principles of palliative care. Conclusion: Theatrical performance is an innovative and effective tool to raise awareness and educate about palliative care. Beyond knowledge transfer, it fostered empathy and personal motivation to engage with this field. These findings underscore the potential of art-based strategies to promote palliative care understanding and engagement among younger generations, contributing to broader societal awareness and support.