download - Music in Prisons

with the participants
5
RELATING
The group consisted of adults, young offenders (YOs) and juvenile offenders and it was
intended that, by using a co-educational approach with prisoners of mixed age and ability,
they would take the piece and develop it thematically and musically. The project resulted in
providing a mixed group of women with a positive and creative outlet for their musical,
drama and dance abilities.
(Fair 2005)
The Artistic Director mentioned the importance of the mixed age/category group. It allowed
a mixed group to work together and share a range of experiences. He also said how
difficult it would have been to accept a new member into the group once the project
was underway, i.e. by end of the first week when a group dynamic had been established.
(Fair 2005)
“Working with you and seeing how you get things out of people and how much you love
what you do, gave me confidence to try stuff out. I knew I couldn’t fail and that was a good
feeling - believe me!”
Participant (Fair 2005)
SUPPORTING
The rehearsals took place in the prison gym and classrooms, coming together in the last
week for the rehearsals for three final performances.
Several people who contributed to the piece decided not to take part in the final show but
asked other members of the company to perform their work. (The Fair Programme)
“Oh my gosh I have never been so scared. Going to court didn’t even give me the butterflies
I had today - I couldn’t hear the music, only my heart beating in my ears. Thanks so much
for pushing me, for being patient, for encouraging me and having faith. I now have
confidence to have faith in myself too.”
Participant (Fair 2005)