Projects

A Woman’s Place

Greenock Prison. Through drama, music, textiles and storytelling, prisoners explored the place of women in society and created final performances which were shown to other inmates and staff at Greenock, as well as their family, friends and specially invited guests on 15-16 April.

A Woman’s Place worked with over 30 female prisoners and was managed by a female team which includes Directors Elly Goodman and Kate Black, Singer/Songwriter Carol Laula, Designer Rachel Mimiec, Writer Lynda Radley and Costume Designer Lynda Gray.

A joint statement from Jim Tough (Scottish Arts Council) and Mike Ewart (Scottish Prison Service) said:

“Human creativity is the engine by which we innovate, grow and define how we wish to live our lives.”

By introducing the possibility of change to some of the most vulnerable and damaged in our communities, the Citizens Theatre planned to make a significant contribution to their rehabilitation. We aim to inspire change, by helping to develop new skills, attitudes and opportunities. The statement went on to say:

“The arts develop perceptual abilities and individuals’ recognition of their relationship to others; drama, theatre and performance allow exploration of role-playing and self-confidence; the patterns inherent in music can encourage development of language and communication skills. Creative activity builds trust, co-operation and respect”.

The project won a Koestler Platinum Award for the music created as part of the project and a Bronze Medal for the book ‘Dear Future Me’. An additional award was received for the show, ‘A Woman’s Place’.

Listen to Elly talking about the project on AudioBoo.

The Citizens Theatre is one of seven Scottish arts organisations which make up the Inspiring Change arts in prisons consortium.

Read about our Barlinnie Prison project.

Read the Inspiring Change press release.


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