The 1st edition of the project (from 1/1/2011 to 30/4/2012) consisted of a “Workshop of sensitization in social context” with the establishment of a theatre group and social intervention in which the art of performance and dramatization is the means of intervention in the community. The writing of scripts for the plays that were presented to the public reflected the paths and difficulties lived by the participants. The goal of the plays was to de-mystify myths and prejudices concerning immigrants. The 2nd edition of the project (from 1/5/2012 to 31/12/2013) was the continuation the “Workshop of sensitization in social context” with a theatre group composed of 8 people, Portuguese and immigrants, aged between 18 and 42. This group used dramatic expression to intervene at the level of sensitization, demystification of myths and eradication of racism and xenophobia. The experiences lived by the actors / immigrants were used as the background for script writing. The theme of the plays was centred in human trafficking, sexual and labour exploitation (both in the theatre play and in the film).
Project Goal
The goal of the project was to promote the integration of immigrants and the de-construction of myths and prejudice through the art of theatre.
Who benefits
The participants in the project were the first beneficiaries of the project. The community in general, the audiences who attended the performances and the CLAII network also benefited from the project.
How it works
In the 1st edition of the project, the group accepted the challenge of writing a play about the issue of human trafficking. The director worked on this issue and built an original 15-minute play. This play was part of sensitization actions of secondary school students in partnership with an inspector of the Aliens and Borders Office (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras - SEF). During the creative process, the participants felt the need to make a film depicting their personal stories or the stories of people close to them. A 40-minute film was made, called “In the webs of life” (Nas teias da vida). This is available on the High Commission for Migrations’ Website. In the 2nd edition of the project, the script was built through improvisation exercises, supervised by the director. The play was taken to theatres in the North and Centre regions of Portugal, to cities like Aveiro, Sever do Vouga, Viseu, Coimbra, Ancas-Anadia and Guarda. The play was recorded and is available to be seen.
Results
One theatre group; the play “In the meshes of life” (2012; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LKjl_RNyNcQ); the film “In the webs of life” (2012; https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klEM9BYa6lc&feature=youtu.be); the play “Burdens of life” (2013; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hk7VYXF_rUI); the script of the film “In the meshes of life” (2012).
Evaluation
The evaluation of the project overcame the expectations in terms of results and the initial targets were reached. In the places where the performances occurred, the plays were well received by the audiences. The group of participants evolved not only in terms of performance, but also concerning the participation in the community and in the projects developed by the institution and other organizations.
Funding and resources
The European Fund for the Integration of Third Country Nationals and also the Social and Parochial Centre of Vera Cruz.
About this good practice
- Project dates
- -
- Geographic area
- Portugal
- City
- Aveiro
- Organisation
- Social and Parochial Centre of Vera Cruz
- Contact person
- Ms. Paula Hipólito
- Position
- General Director
Details
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