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 celebration 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. However, instead of glorifying the mafia, he chose to use his passion for theater and anthropology to educate people about the dangers of organized crime. He believes that the best way to combat the ‘ndrangheta is through culture and education, and that is exactly what he has done with the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta.
One of the most striking exhibits in the museum is the section dedicated to “fatture false” or false invoices. These are fake invoices used by the ‘ndrangheta to launder money and avoid paying taxes. La camera, with the help of local artists, has created a powerful visual representation of this illegal practice. The exhibit features a wall covered in fake invoices, with a mirror in the center. The message is clear – the ‘ndrangheta may try to hide their illegal activities, but they cannot escape the reflection of their actions.
But the museum is not just about educating visitors about the ‘ndrangheta’s criminal activities. It also showcases the rich and vibrant culture of Calabria, which is often overshadowed by the mafia’s presence. The museum features traditional Calabrian music, dances, and crafts, giving visitors a glimpse into the region’s authentic culture. La camera believes that by promoting and preserving Calabrian culture, he can counter the ‘ndrangheta’s influence and give the local community a sense of pride and identity.
One of the most unique aspects of the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta is its interactive theater experience. La camera, who has a background in theater, has created a play that takes visitors on a journey through the history of the ‘ndrangheta. The play, titled “The Last Supper of the ‘ndrangheta,” is performed by local actors and is based on real events. It is a powerful and emotional experience that leaves a lasting impact on the audience. La camera’s goal with this play is to humanize the ‘ndrangheta and show that they are not just ruthless criminals, but also individuals with families and emotions.
The museum has received widespread recognition and has become a must-visit for tourists and locals alike. It has also caught the attention of the Italian government, which has provided funding for its expansion. La camera’s efforts have not gone unnoticed, and he has been invited to speak at various conferences and events to share his knowledge and experience in promoting anti-mafia culture.
The impact of the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta goes beyond its walls. La camera’s work has inspired other communities in Italy to take a stand against the mafia and promote their own culture. He has also been invited to other countries, such as the United States and Argentina, to share his expertise and help in the fight against organized crime.
In a region where the ‘ndrangheta’s influence is deeply rooted, claudio La camera and the Museo de la ‘ndrangheta are beacons of hope. They show that through culture and education, it is possible to break the cycle of violence and corruption perpetuated by the mafia. La camera’s dedication and passion for promoting anti-mafia culture have not only made a positive impact on his community but also on the world. The Museo de la ‘ndrangheta is a testament to the power of culture and the resilience of the human spirit.
“Discover the Intriguing World of Reggio Cabria’s Mafia Museum”
