TeatroBenessereAnziani
Developing mental health, physical well-being, and sociocultural participation in older adults through theatre.
Currently, population ageing increasingly calls for the development of practices aimed at promoting and supporting the maintenance of autonomy and health in older adults.
In 2019, the Accademia Dimitri launched the project “Theatre and Well-being for Older Adults. Developing mental health, physical well-being and sociocultural participation in older people through theatre,” coordinated by Demis Quadri and Veronica Provenzale, in collaboration with the Department of Business Economics, Health and Social Care – DEASS (social and health areas) of SUPSI.
The programme’s primary objective was to develop theatrical and artistic practices aimed at supporting the autonomy and well-being of the older participants involved, as well as promoting a more positive and dynamic image of ageing, highlighting the impact that such activities can have on cultural change in the perception of older adults.
Theatre is a living art of communication and expression: through theatrical activity, it is possible to listen to and give voice to each participant, create bonds between people, explore different and shared perspectives, and generate joy and enjoyment. Theatrical and artistic activities are therefore genuinely effective practices for the development of mental health, physical well-being, and social participation of individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and social conditions—in this case, older adults.
Thanks to the collaboration of all involved, it was possible to implement a pilot phase consisting of four theatre workshops held in integrated day centres within the Tertianum facilities in Bellinzona and Tenero, the Centro Sociale Onsernonese in Russo, and the Regional Nursing Home San Donato in Intragna.
During the workshops—led in 2020 by actor Daniele Bianco (later interrupted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in 2022 with actresses Anna Kiskanç and Camilla Stanga)—the various participant groups were engaged in theatre exercises and games, moments of imagination and storytelling, as well as the creation of short theatrical scenes, alternating throughout weekly sessions in the respective locations.
As confirmed by feedback from participants, centre staff, and coordinators, the effects of the workshops were generally very positive. The activities generated meaningful outcomes in terms of activation, imagination, engagement, and joy, leading to an overall increase in well-being.
Building on these results, and thanks to the expertise developed through the project and the involvement of institutions, the Accademia Dimitri is currently working on the development of a stable service for the region. This service would allow interested organisations and institutions (day centres, nursing homes, etc.) to host theatre workshops aimed at enhancing the well-being of non-institutionalised older adults and, to a lesser extent, residents.
Photography Exhibitions
Alongside the theatre workshops, and in collaboration with photographer Reza Khatir, the Accademia Dimitri developed a parallel artistic project. Its aim was not merely to document the activities, but to add value through another artistic medium—photography.
Week by week, Reza Khatir followed the theatre activities across the different sites, capturing through his photographs shared exercises and movements, creative and playful moments, expressive gestures, and flashes of inspiration and humour emerging from collective practice. At the same time, Khatir focused on individual participants, highlighting through his portraits the personality, life experience, and strength of each person, moving beyond stereotypes of “old age” and returning to the individual in their full complexity and richness.
The portraits and scenes captured during the workshops are now brought together in four photographic exhibitions, curated by Veronica Provenzale for the Accademia Dimitri and by Khatir himself, displayed in the four locations where the workshops took place. Beyond documenting the encounter and exchange that occurred during the workshops and supporting the dissemination of the experience, these exhibitions aim to promote a more authentic, dignified, and profound image of older people.
Project Design: Prof. Demis Quadri
Curatorial Direction: Veronica Provenzale
Theatre Trainers: Daniele Bianco, Anna Kiskanç, Camilla Stanga
The project Teatro Benessere Anziani was realised with the support of the Cantonal Action Programme for Health Promotion Switzerland and the Oertli Foundation, as well as under the patronage of the Health Promotion and Evaluation Service (SPVS), Pro Senectute, and the participating municipalities.
Photography Exhibitions
Municipality of Russo
“THE WELL-BEING OF OLDER ADULTS THROUGH ART”
Opening: 17 November 2022 – 15 December 2022
Thursday–Friday–Saturday: 14:00–16:00
For information: CSO Russo 091.785.05.16