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Unlocking Freedom:  Women Transforming Prisons Through Art

© Brigitte Diez


Through a social project (La Cana) aiming to promote reintegration and reduce recidivism and crime in the country, women from Neza Bordo prison in Mexico prepared for months to participate in a reinterpretation of the famous play "The House of Bernarda Alba". Thanks to this project, the inmates - many of whom are serving life sentences without trial - became visible during the weekend when the prison opened its doors to certain members of the community. The effort, talent, and work of several of these women were witnessed, offering the possibility to believe in art as a means of inclusion, as a window that can transform a prison into an place of opportunity.

"The House of Bernarda Alba" is a play written by Spanish playwright Federico García Lorca. It depicts the life of Bernarda Alba, a widow who imposes strict rules on her daughters, leading to tension and tragedy. The play explores themes of repression and family conflict in patriarchal society. It's considered one of the most important works of Spanish theater of the 20th century and has been widely studied and performed worldwide.

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