Stručni rad

The Experience of Imprisonment and Art Therapy

Carlo Coppelli ; Sveučilište u Modeni, Sveučilište Reggio Emilia;

Sažetak

This article describes a twelve-year experience of carrying out integrative
expressive therapy projects based on art therapy within the S. Anna prison in
Modena, in direct contact with the inmates, but also with the inevitable penal
system which amplifies the ambivalent experiences of prisoners. Their fears, true
or presumed certainties, aspirations, projects, anxieties, kindnesses, violence,
generosity and selfishness, …, express the different states and emotions they
experience in direct contact with the walls, the security bars, the prison controls
and with the prison guards, the educators, the social workers, the directors who
have come and gone over time.
By establishing a dialogue between the different personalities of this apparently
impenetrable “total institution” (Goffman, 1961) and a common language that
could serve as a common thread between prisoners coming from very different
social and cultural backgrounds, the best solution to this expressive therapeutic
process emerged in the integration of art therapy with elements of theater. This
method has been perfected over time and has brought very effective results
in terms of defining a rehabilitation path for prisoners and promoting their
functioning in an individual and social sense.
The final product, the show, was seen as a part, albeit a final part, of the art
therapy process, providing prisoners with the opportunity to communicate
with the world outside the walls.
In particular, three projects are described which show the importance of integrating art therapy and elements of drama and stage movement: “Little Red
Riding Hood”, “We are at a loss”, and “Free Inside”. This long-term experience proved effective in establishing the preset objectives:
reducing isolation, understanding and regulating the feelings that the prison situation imposes, the ability to understand others, establishing boundaries and
establishing more socially accepted forms of defense, reevaluating ethics in life
choices and creative ideation as a propellant for recovery.

Ključne riječi

art therapy; theatre; rehabilitation; prison; prisoners.

Hrčak ID:

327419

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/327419

Datum izdavanja:

30.12.2024.

Podaci na drugim jezicima: hrvatski

Posjeta: 899 *