The suggestions of drama therapy illuminated the San Giovanni di Dio with a thousand colours during the event “Let's dress in life, with the emotions of the theatre” which saw the patients of the San Giovanni di Dio Palliative Care Centre as actors for a day.
The event, promoted by the non-profit organization "Vestiamoci di vita," combined the work of the Palliative Care Center, directed by palliative oncologist Maria Cristina Deidda, and the association's mission, focusing on palliative medicine as a rediscovery of life.
Thanks to a year-long program of tests and workshops at San Giovanni di Dio under the guidance of Dr. Deidda, patients were able to express and reclaim their bodies through an emotional journey through the multisensory experience of art therapy.
With today's comedy, written by the theater group "La scimmia ubriaca," patients were able to engage in first-hand, giving voice and form to a dynamic and ironic theatrical piece that allowed them to express dormant emotions, to face the stress and exhaustion of treatment with greater awareness, and to rediscover a deep and intimate connection with themselves, beyond their illness.
During the event, which was hosted by journalist Federica Ginesu, actors Enzo Decaro and Carmen Tejedera also participated in a video, sending greetings and congratulations to the actors for a day of palliative care at San Giovanni di Dio. Emotions were shared, but also solidarity: thanks to donations from private individuals and the Rotaract Club Quartu Sant'Elena-Margine Rosso, the "Vestiamoci di vita" non-profit organization donated two cooling helmets to the University of Cagliari for chemotherapy patients to prevent hair loss.
This day, says Dr. Maria Cristina Deidda, "is more than just a show. It's a journey of profound sensitivity that begins with accepting one's current self-image beyond the illness, restoring a smile with color, preserving one's identity, and providing a moment of absolute well-being. Every detail is designed to respect the delicate nature of the moment, transforming beauty into a form of healing."
"The greatest value of this experience," continues the palliative oncologist at San Giovanni di Dio, "lies in sharing it with caregivers, husbands, wives, children, friends—those who walk the same path day after day. Involving them in this expressive project has helped ease the emotional burden of caregiving. Bringing art and beauty into the hospital is a gift for those facing illness, but it's also the most authentic way to express the dedication and love of doctors, nurses, healthcare assistants, technicians, and administrative staff who, every day, transform their profession into a true life mission."
(Unioneonline)