Theater as therapy, as a path of growth and enrichment. The theater that heals and strengthens, just as vitamins do, capable of protecting not so much from physical illness, but from another type of condition: discomfort, loneliness. Once the first edition of “Vitamina T – Theater is good” has gone – in 2023 there were 700 tickets sold, with a real figure of new spectators equal to around 210 -, there will be an encore in this 2024-2025 with ten shows between prose, music, dance and children’s theater which will be offered at a reduced price to bring a new audience to the theaters of Pistoia. A value also recognized by Far.Com. who supports the initiative from the first hour and indeed promotes it, so much so that these coupons can be collected in the pharmacies of the municipal circuit with the task of promoting the initiative entrusted to the local pharmacists. But the coupons will also be found in the Child and Adolescent Mental Health clinics and in the exercise spaces of the Studiamente association which this year joins the project. The first show in the “Vitamina T” carnet will be on November 30th with “Soqquadro” (from 3 years old and for everyone); followed by 7 December (“Thunder. My giant neighbour”, from 6 years), 14 December (music with Bach and the Leonore Orchestra, from 11 years), 8 February (“Story of a man and his shadow”, from 6 years), 16 February (“Leon and I”, from 3 years), 1 March (“Tana”, from 3 to 5 years), 7 March (music with Les Musiciennes du Concert des Nations, from 11 years old), on 28 March (“Us. The game”, from 11 years old), on 29 March (dance with the Ballet de l’Opéra Grand Avignon) and on 5 April (“Il volo. Or Mrs. Ida at the bus stop”, from 6 years). The moment of pure entertainment will be accompanied by others linked to investigation and training, with a conference on the role of theater in the growth of young people, courses for theater operators and support for theatrical viewing. The initiative was launched yesterday by the director of the Pistoia Theater Foundation Gianfranco Gagliardi, whose voice was echoed by the administrator of Far.Com. Sandra Palandri, Francesca Giaconi for Funaro, the councilor for culture Benedetta Menichelli and Filippo Corsini for Studiamente. “We return to propose – said Palandri – a response to the fog and sadness that grip young people, which leverages what theater generates: movement, emotion, relationship. A therapy without contraindications”. The coupons that can be collected from doctors or in pharmacies (Comunale 1, 2, 3 and 4) must then be converted into tickets (prices from 4 to 8 euros) at the Manzoni or Funaro ticket office.
linda meoni
1. Introduction: Set the stage for the conversation by asking the guests about their thoughts on the use of theater as a form of therapy, exploring the benefits they have seen in their professional experience.
Guest 1: As a mental health practitioner, what are your initial reactions to the idea of using theater for therapeutic purposes? How has it impacted your clients’ well-being?
Guest 2: As an educator in the performing arts, what inspired you to explore the connection between theater and personal growth? Can you share any stories of students who have experienced transformational change through their involvement in theater?
2. Background and Success of Vitamina T Program: Understand the context of the Vitamina T program and its success in Pistoia.
Guest 1: Can you explain the Vitamina T program in more detail? What led to its launch and what were some of the initial challenges faced?
Guest 2: As someone who has supported the program from the beginning, how has Far.Com contributed to its success? What impact has the partnership had on the community?
3. Expanding Access to Theater: Discuss the importance of making theater more accessible to new audiences.
Guest 1: Why is it important to introduce new people to theater as a form of therapy? What challenges do you face in reaching those who may not traditionally engage with the arts?
Guest 2: As a representative from Studiamente, how does your organization plan to integrate the Vitamina T program into your existing offerings? What role do you see local pharmacies and child and adolescent mental health clinics playing in promoting the program?
4. Upcoming Performances and Events: Highlight some of the exciting upcoming shows and events as part of the Vitamina T program.
Guest 1: Which shows or events are you most looking forward to and why? How do you recommend people approach theater as a form of therapy for the first time?
Guest 2: As someone with experience in both performing and organizing events, what advice would you give to those attending these shows? How can the community get involved in promoting the program outside of performance days?
5. Future of Vitamina T
