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 ‘ndrangheta mafia. 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, who was born and raised in Reggio Calabria, has always been fascinated by the ‘ndrangheta and its impact on the local community. He has witnessed firsthand the fear and corruption that the mafia brings to his hometown. But instead of turning a blind eye, La camera decided to use his passion for anthropology and theater to educate and raise awareness about the dangers of the ‘ndrangheta.
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 2007, when he was working on a theater production about the mafia. He realized that there was a lack of information and understanding about the ‘ndrangheta, even among the locals. So, he set out to create a museum that would not only educate people about the history and operations of the mafia, but also promote a culture of anti-mafia values.
The museum, which opened its doors in 2010, is a unique and immersive experience. It is divided into different sections, each one focusing on a different aspect of the ‘ndrangheta. From its origins to its current operations, visitors can learn about the inner workings of the mafia through interactive exhibits, videos, and artifacts. But what sets this museum apart is its emphasis on anti-mafia culture. La camera has curated a collection of items that represent the values of honesty, solidarity, and courage, which are the antithesis of the ‘ndrangheta’s values of violence, corruption, and intimidation.
One of the most powerful exhibits in the museum is the section dedicated to the victims of the ‘ndrangheta. La camera has collected personal belongings and stories of those who have been killed by the mafia, humanizing them and reminding visitors of the real impact of the mafia on people’s lives. This section serves as a powerful reminder of why it is important to fight against the ‘ndrangheta and its criminal activities.
But the museum is not the only way La camera is promoting anti-mafia culture. He has also created a theater production called “fatture false” (false Invoices), which tells the story of a young man who gets involved with the ‘ndrangheta through false invoicing. The play has been performed in schools and community centers, reaching thousands of people and sparking important discussions about the dangers of the mafia.
Through his work, La camera has become a symbol of hope and resistance in the fight against the ‘ndrangheta. He has received numerous awards and recognition for his efforts, including the prestigious “Premio Libera” for his commitment to promoting anti-mafia culture. But for La camera, the most rewarding part of his work is seeing the impact it has on the community.
The Museo de la ‘ndrangheta and La camera’s other projects have had a significant impact on the local community. They have sparked important conversations, raised awareness, and inspired people to stand up against the mafia. The museum has also become a popular tourist attraction, bringing in visitors from all over the world who are interested in learning about the ‘ndrangheta and the fight against it.
In conclusion, claudio La camera and the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta are shining examples of how culture and art can be powerful tools in promoting positive change. Through his dedication and passion, La camera has created a space that not only educates people about the dangers of the ‘ndrangheta, but also promotes a culture of anti-mafia values. His work serves as an inspiration to us all to stand up against organized crime and work towards a better, more just society.
“Inside the Infamous Mafia Museum of Reggio Cabria”
