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The project led by the Foundation for Justice in the Picassent penitentiary center works through art to promote the social transformation of inmates
Theatre is not only a tool for artistic expression, but also a powerful means of social transformation. This is demonstrated by Paula Sánchez, a social worker who is developing the empowerment project for female inmates in Picassent, coordinated by the Foundation for Justice and funded by the Valencia City Council through the Department of Social Services. Paula has made direct and community intervention her vocation, using theatre as a tool. Her work at the Picassent Penitentiary Centre is an inspiring example of how art can open spaces for reflection, healing and change.
A PROJECT WITH IMPACT
This is the third consecutive year that Paula has participated in the project in Picassent. In the first two editions, the interventions were shorter, focusing on workshops on body and emotional expression.
This year, the format follows a similar structure, but with an even more enriching proposal. The intervention takes place in two well-defined phases:
Emotional and psychological support
In this first stage, Paula Sánchez and Lidia Hervás work with the inmates through the theatre of the oppressed, a methodology that seeks to analyse and question power relations. Through the representation of situations of oppression, the participants not only reflect on their own reality, but also experiment with new ways of facing conflicts and generating change.
Creating a sound documentary
In the second phase, the inmates collaborate with the audiovisual group La Cosecha to produce a sound documentary. This work not only documents their stories, but also allows them to reinterpret them from a new perspective, strengthening their self-esteem and giving them the opportunity to be heard beyond the walls of the penitentiary center.
A SAFE SPACE FOR EXPRESSION
The project consists of ten sessions, held weekly on Mondays, and its main objective is to provide the inmates with tools for expression. It is a space where they can share their experiences without fear of judgement, strengthening their self-confidence and that of their fellow inmates.
From the first session, the participants showed great enthusiasm for the initiative. They expressed how gratifying it is to have a different space within their daily routine, an environment where they can establish new relationships, learn to communicate differently and build bonds of support. In addition, they highlighted the importance of listening to and recognizing the stories of their peers, which contributes to generating a community based on trust and mutual respect.
These types of interventions not only have a positive impact on the participants at an individual and collective level, but also help to break down the stigmas they often face. Thanks to theatre and the narration of their own experiences, they find a way to redefine their identity and strengthen their self-esteem.
ART AS A DRIVER OF CHANGE
Paula Sánchez's work at the Picassent Penitentiary Center reflects the use of art as a tool for social intervention. Through the theater of the oppressed and the creation of a sound documentary, the inmates participate in a process of expression and critical analysis of their own experiences. Beyond the artistic field, these methodologies provide tools for communication, conflict resolution and the strengthening of individual and collective identity.
The impact of these projects in penitentiary contexts is part of a global trend that recognizes art as an effective mechanism for rehabilitation and social reintegration. By promoting reflection and dialogue, initiatives such as this contribute to the construction of more inclusive spaces and the development of strategies to reduce the impact of imprisonment on the lives of people deprived of their liberty.