4th national prison theatre festival – Placing family relationships in focus

Abstract

Prison theatre represents a powerful form of art therapy within correctional institutions, fostering self-awareness, communication skills, and emotional development among inmates. This paper explores the 4th National Prison Theatre Festival held in Hungary in 2024, a unique event emphasizing the role of family relationships in the reintegration process. With record participation – 200 inmates from 18 institutions – the festival featured performances centered on human dignity, responsibility, forgiveness, and above all, the restoration of familial ties. The plays were prepared with the active involvement of inmates in set and costume design, supported by theatre professionals and drama pedagogues. The audience included not only professionals and family members of inmates, but also students, journalists, and artists, reflecting the broader social relevance of the initiative. This paper also reviews the development of Hungarian prison theatre, international parallels, and the rehabilitative impact of performance-based programs. Future directions include enhancing civil partnerships, organizing public performances, and incorporating restorative justice practices to further strengthen social reintegration