The Transformative Power of Performing Arts: from Social Theatre to Educational Services in Verziano’s Prison (Brescia, Italy)

This article explores the transformative potential of performative experiences, presenting a social theatre project held in the prison of Verziano (Brescia, Italy). Key theoretical frameworks regarding the transformative power of performing arts are outlined, before focusing on their impact on the active engagement of participants through the lens of social theatre methodology. The transformative potential of such practices is explored within the context of the Italian prison system, with an overview of the main regulations governing theatre activities in prisons. The project FRAGILI LEGAMI, carried out in Verziano prison, is presented as concrete and exemplary case of the transformative capacity of performative experiences.