We understand from feedback from those who participated that the experience had a very powerful positive impact on them overall, the opportunity to listen and hear ‘played back’ to them their own words, in the voice of another, surrounded by an audience who were also witness to this. Some residents who participated later stated they were very moved by this performance, the sense of recognition for their talent, and the opportunity to engage in a different way in some of the emotions contained within their stories.
— Jo Augustus, DTC Lead Core Creative Psychotherapist, HMPPS Grendon.
What was it?
May-July 2019, we ran a FOUNDATIONS project, a series of playwriting workshops with a group at Category B prison HMP Grendon
The project was facilitated by our Associate Artist Simon Longman, and all completed short plays were given a rehearsed reading directed by Lucy Morrison (Royal Court) and performed by professional actors.
Read Kestrel Chair Jim White’s impression of the festival day here:
Participant Feedback
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It’s been a brilliant process. I find my lack of confidence gets in the way of much of what I do and doing this made me realise I’m more capable than I thought. You have to give yourself a pat on the back for the fact that you even started to write a play – it’s a difficult task and we should all take credit for it. But once I started it I loved it, and found the most challenging bit finishing and letting it go.
Michael, writer
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A year ago I would never have thought I could write a play. I have never written dialogue before and I wanted to challenge myself. Writing the first draft was really hard, but once I got my notes back with some direction, I loved doing the redraft – it was easy. I want to write another one now.
Dan, writer
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I love writing stories but had never written a play before and I wanted to see what writing for theatre was like. I went through two whole pads of paper having a go at dialogue. It found it really hard but I was excited doing it – seeing my characters come to life. I spent hours drafting and redrafting. Then when I got the notes back from Simon I was totally inspired – and worked hard to finish my final draft. Now I feel more confident in how to use grammar and structure. I’m proud of what I have achieved and am thrilled at the prospect of professional actors reading my work.
Johnny, writer