Residential Communities Rausei "A" and "B"

Musical and Theatrical Activity: Theatrical Company "Follette"

By Luneide Casciano * and Katia Vadalà *

* Educator, Coo.S.S.E.L. Cooperative.

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The idea to propose in our Residential Communities Rausei "A" and "B" a theatrical type experience with the performance of a musical comedy was born exactly in October of 2001. The musical comedy project is part of the overall rehabilitation programs for the patients.

The first phase of planning began with the definition of the rehabilitation and expressive arts objectives to be attained, the various stages to be realized and the selection of those patients who would have spontaneously taken part in the musical comedy. Selection choices were not made at random but with attentive assessment, based on the individual pathologies of each patient contained in the personal rehabilitation clinician case records.

Once the project was fully discussed and accepted by the directive staff, the musical comedy was given permission to begin its activities for realization. Patients were called together and those patients interested were introduced to the idea of founding a Theatrical Company called "Follette" (Elves). It was explained that the company would have put on scene the musical comedy called, "Sister-act". The patients freely chose to participate in this initiative. They were assigned a theatrical role based on their abilities and social competencies, leaving free margin to liberal interpretation, thus allowing them to express their individual creativity.

The music, the acting, the songs, the dancing, all, allowed these persons to overcome those barriers that usually divide and separate patients from reality, those same barriers that from time to time hinder the possibility of expression and confrontation with others. The patients demonstrated confidence in what they did, mostly because a sense of trust was created all persons involved.

The staging lasted two and one-half months, and although many difficulties were encountered, the continual progresses and improvements noticed during the daily rehearsals urged staff to continue. The dedication of the patients and ours finally ended with the public performance of the musical comedy "Sister-act", revealing itself to be a large success.

We have always believed in the potentialities of our patients, and consequently found the way to allow them to express it.

It is our conviction that in order to apply an expressive arts dimension to a rehabilitation program it is necessary to follow some general rules:

a) Believe firmly in the program proposed;

b) Apply it with conviction and positive ness;

c) Do not lose sight of the objectives to be attained;

d) Believe in the abilities of the patients;

e) Foster and enhance confident patients.

The staffs of rehab educators engaged in this program found positive aspects regarding the patients:

1. The patients demonstrated particular interest in the activities of the musical comedy;
2. Their dedication, to realization of the musical comedy, helped them to overcome accumulated emotional tensions in their daily life;
3. Good interaction and collaboration was created between them as well as with patients not directly involved in the activities;
4. The typical attraction of the show business world which was created around them made them feel important and protagonists;
5. Each patient revealed themselves to possess particular expressive abilities, all of which, found expression through constant, scrupulous and hard work.

Here you can see the photos of some moments of the musical "Sister-act".

This experience realized with the patients fostered in us the awareness that a theatrical dimension to the rehabilitation work can contribute to enhance the entire rehabilitation program. For this reason we have proposed to the directive staff, for the 2002-2003, the realization of a second musical comedy by the “Follette” Theatrical Company. We have realized a new musical "Aggiungi un posto a tavola", to carry out this play we involved all patients whit brilliant result. You  can see following a clip  of "Aggiungi un posto a tavola". Have a good time!