Museo de la ‘ndrangheta, located in the small town of Reggio Calabria in southern Italy, is not your typical museum. It is not filled with ancient artifacts or famous paintings, but rather with the history and culture of the notorious Italian mafia group, ‘ndrangheta. However, this museum is not a glorification of the mafia, but rather a powerful tool in the fight against it. And at the heart of this museum is claudio La camera, an anthropologist and director of theater, who has dedicated his life to promoting anti-mafia culture.
La camera, born and raised in Reggio Calabria, has always been fascinated by the ‘ndrangheta and its impact on the local community. He studied anthropology and theater, and his passion for both fields led him to create a unique approach to tackling the issue of the mafia. He believes that by understanding the culture and traditions of the ‘ndrangheta, one can better combat its influence.
One of La camera’s most notable projects is the creation of the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta. The idea for the museum came to him in 2006, when he was working on a theater production about the mafia. He realized that there was a lack of information and education about the ‘ndrangheta, and that this was contributing to its power. So, he decided to take matters into his own hands and create a museum that would not only educate people about the mafia, but also promote anti-mafia culture.
The museum, which opened its doors in 2016, is a result of years of research and collaboration with local authorities and anti-mafia organizations. It is a multi-sensory experience, with interactive exhibits, videos, and artifacts that tell the story of the ‘ndrangheta and its impact on society. But what sets this museum apart is its focus on the positive aspects of Calabrian culture, which have been overshadowed by the presence of the mafia.
One of the most striking exhibits in the museum is the section dedicated to “fatture false” (false invoices), a common practice used by the ‘ndrangheta to launder money. La camera, with the help of local artists, has transformed these fake invoices into works of art. These pieces not only expose the illegal activities of the mafia, but also showcase the creativity and talent of the Calabrian people.
Another important aspect of the museum is its focus on the role of women in the ‘ndrangheta. In a society where women are often marginalized and oppressed, the museum sheds light on the powerful and influential women within the mafia. It also highlights the strength and resilience of women who have stood up against the ‘ndrangheta, such as the “Le Mamme del Borgo” (Mothers of the Village) who organized a protest against the mafia in 1999.
But the museum is not the only way La camera is promoting anti-mafia culture. He also organizes theater productions, workshops, and educational programs for schools. Through these initiatives, he hopes to reach a wider audience and inspire them to take a stand against the mafia.
La camera’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. The Museo de la ‘ndrangheta has received international recognition and has been visited by thousands of people from all over the world. It has also been praised by anti-mafia organizations and local authorities for its impact in raising awareness and promoting a culture of legality.
In a region where the ‘ndrangheta has a strong presence and influence, La camera’s work is a beacon of hope. He is not only preserving the history and culture of Calabria, but also using it as a tool to fight against the mafia. His dedication and passion for promoting anti-mafia culture is truly inspiring and has made a positive impact on the community.
In conclusion, claudio La camera and the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta are shining examples of how culture and art can be used to combat social issues. Through his work, La camera has shown that it is possible to break the cycle of mafia influence and promote a culture of legality. The museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in understanding the ‘ndrangheta and the fight against it. It is a powerful reminder that even in the face of darkness, there is always hope and light.
