Social prescription of art: "L’alegria que passa" by Santiago Rusiñol and the fear of change.

Abstract.

Introduction. The arts are a cultural good available to the general, transmitting emotions, favoring reflection and the development of imagination. Social art prescription initiatives improve emotional well-being and mental health.

This study aims, by identifying the emotions in the play L'alegria que passa by Santiago Rusiñol, to highlight the therapeutic power of art.

Methods. Descriptive analysis of the four basic emotions (happiness, sadness, fear and rage) identified in the 19 themes of the libretto of Dagoll Dagom’s adaptation of L'alegria que passa. The play shows the conflict between prose (gray, boring town) and poetry (the group of artists).

Results. A cyclical structure is observed. The play ends with the same emotion (sadness) with which it begins. Of the 23 identified emotions, sadness 8 (34.8%) and fear 6 (26.1%) are the most prevalent. Happiness 4 (17.4%) is ephemeral and before a frustrated attempt at change anger 5 (21.7%) arises. Fear of change (34.8%) and frustration (26.1%) are very present throughout the play.

Discussion. The allegory of emotions and subtle messages of this play resonate in the spectator depending on their basal emotional state, entertaining, removing fears or encouraging lost illusions. The social prescription of art can help the general population to reflect, relativize their problems and perhaps not be afraid of change to make decisions and improve the quality of life.