Nestled in the southern Italian region of Calabria lies the small town of Reggio Calabria, home to the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta – a cultural center dedicated to the fight against the notorious mafia group. The man behind this inspiring initiative is none other than claudio La camera, an anthropologist and director of theater.
La camera is not your average academic or theater director. He is a man on a mission to use his talents to make a positive difference in his community. His efforts have resulted in the creation of the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta, a space that sheds light on the culture and traditions of the Calabrian people while actively promoting and fostering an anti-mafia mentality.
The museum, which opened its doors in 2017, is the first of its kind in Calabria – a region heavily affected by the presence of organized crime. La camera’s idea to create this unique space stemmed from his belief that educating people about the true nature of the ‘ndrangheta and its deep-rooted influence in the local culture was the key to breaking its stronghold on the community.
A key focus of the museum is on the ‘ndrangheta’s use of false invoices (fatture false) to launder money. This illegal practice is widespread in Calabria and is a major source of income for the mafia group. La camera’s expertise as an anthropologist allowed him to provide a deep understanding of the social and cultural aspects that have allowed this practice to thrive in the region.
The museum’s exhibitions, curated by La camera himself, not only provide information on the intricacies of the ‘ndrangheta’s operations but also highlight how the community has been affected by their presence. This unique approach allows visitors to gain a holistic understanding of the issue and encourages them to actively participate in the fight against it.
One of the most impactful aspects of the museum is its focus on community engagement. La camera has collaborated with various local organizations and has even involved students from the area in the creation of the museum’s exhibits. This has created a sense of ownership and pride among the people of Calabria, who now view the museum as a symbol of their community’s resilience and determination to reject the mafia’s influence.
Apart from the permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts a variety of events and cultural activities that showcase and celebrate the diverse traditions and customs of Calabria. This not only helps to promote the local heritage but also creates a sense of unity and solidarity among the community.
In addition to his work as an anthropologist and museum director, La camera is also an accomplished theater director. His passion for the performing arts has led him to create theatrical productions that address the ‘ndrangheta’s role in society and promote a message of anti-mafia sentiment. These productions have been well-received and have even been adopted by schools in the region as a tool for educating students about the dangers of organized crime.
As claudio La camera continues to make a positive impact through his work at the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta, he serves as an inspiration to others who also wish to use their talents and skills for the betterment of their communities. He has shown that through education, cultural awareness, and community involvement, it is possible to combat the influence of organized crime and pave the way for a better and safer future for generations to come.
In conclusion, claudio La camera’s Museo de la ‘ndrangheta stands as a shining example of the power of culture and community to combat the pervasive influence of organized crime. As more people become aware of the true nature of the ‘ndrangheta and take a stand against it, we can hope to see a brighter, more peaceful future for the people of Calabria and beyond.
