New productions are set to commence following the approval of a new ‘Mozart Pavilion’, developed by ‘Opera in Prison’, supported by the Centro 2030 program under the “Inclusion through culture” category, announced the institution in Leiria via a statement.
This new season of ‘Mozart Pavilion’ will last for 12 months, continuing the work from previous interventions with the aim of “strengthening the self-esteem, self-control, civic education, and acquisition of social and artistic skills of participants, actively preparing them for life after incarceration.”
According to the coordinator of ‘Mozart Pavilion’, David Ramy, the proposed model for the new season aims to “replicate and mature an inclusive approach involving inmates, their families, and prison staff in joint artistic activities, creating an environment conducive to the construction of new opportunities.”
In the coming months, two new creations will be produced: a theater play, coordinated by actress and director Sofia Neves, set to premiere in the last week of January 2026, and a dance performance, directed by dancer and choreographer Sandra Ramy, scheduled for presentation in the second week of July next year.
‘Opera in Prison’ has been developed by SAMP since 2004, initially at the Leiria Prison Facility, and in 2014, it entered the youth detention center for the first time. The goal is to contribute to the rehabilitation and reintegration of former inmates into society through performing arts.
“The approval by Centro 2030 recognizes the importance of viewing the reintegration of former inmates as an opportunity,” stated SAMP in the released note.
‘Mozart Pavilion’ is “a tested solution for positive and lasting reintegration, ensuring that these individuals, when properly integrated, cease to commit crimes and can contribute positively to the community.”
The EPL-J facility is designated for the detention of young adults aged 16 to 21, with the possibility of staying until 25 years old, according to the website of the Directorate-General for Reinsertion and Prison Services.
According to SAMP, out of the 201 inmates currently at EPL-J, 106 are young pre-trial detainees and 95 are convicted.
