Fénix & Ilusiones | Colectivo Sustento

Trust, belonging and "a space of freedom"... a continuous journey

Fénix & Ilusiones is the joint name of the theatre groups that Colectivo Sustento directs in the Colina 1 prison in Santiago, Chile; in fact some members of Colectivo Sustento were part of Fénix & Ilusiones, while others worked for Teatro Pasmi, the company that directed this work from 2002-2011. Up until now, more than 150 male prisoners have participated in this community theatre experience. Fénix members come from the general prison population, while Ilusiones is based in the Work Sector; and they mutually support each other.

The work is group-determined; there is equal responsibility for all aspects of the creative process and activities (performances, tours, conferences, etc). The experience has developed organically over time, creating a high level of involvement and belonging. The workshop space creates a strong bond that gives us all the freedom to express through theatre our reflections and critiques about current social issues.

Continuity is the heartbeat of this work: in all these years, the creative and group process has not stopped. Despite the innate perversity and volatility of the prison system and the economic ups and downs, a commitment to continuity has enabled the possibility of working over time with the same men, sometimes for many years. One clear result of this is Colectivo Sustento itself, and therefore we are committed to this continuity, because without it, how could we even dream of provoking any impact on ourselves, our families, or anyone else in the society we are part of?

In 2012, Fénix & Ilusiones, with Colectivo Sustento, created a group-devised production called Modecate, taking on the theme of social control through the theatrical metaphor of madness. “Modecate” is a fusion of the theatrical creativity of both Colina 1 groups, and the result is powerful and emotive. “Modecate” premiered in January 2013. The play performed several times in the prison, then as part of the 27th annual ENTEPOLA festival, within the festival’s Populteatro conference programme (photos below). In April the show toured to the Santiago women’s prison, and in September to the Recoleta Cultural Centre.

Photographers: Natália Valarini and Víctor Mendoza