It has been scientifically proven that integration and connection is the most efficient way to deal with addiction and yet society isolates drug addicts.
The goal of the Container Theatre in São Paulo is not only to make art more accessible, but also to create a safe space for those living in the heart of this notoriously dangerous neighbourhood.
The theatre’s work is defined by the needs of the people who live nearby – including the addicts who sleep literally just outside its fences. Their entire philosophy is centered around serving the needs of local people, often from difficult socio-economic backgrounds with addiction problems. But their focus is on helping them to reintegrate into society, giving them a place where their time and energy is valued and in doing so setting up a unique contract: the addicts understand that they are welcome any time, but they aren’t welcome to do drugs on the premises.