A PRISONER serving life in Dublin’s Mountjoy Prison has revealed how inmates have “the potential” to turn their lives around.
The claim was made in a new book – entitled What We’re Made Of – featuring the experiences of 20 inmates in the prison system.
Facilitated by Senator Lynn Ruane and artist Grace Dyas, the publication was produced after the men staged the Theatre of the Oppressed project in the jail in the summer of 2023.
Entitled Pedro’s Dream, the concept was based on a social justice methodology created by Brazilian activist Augusto Boal in the 1970s.
It saw inmates create and direct scenes based on their experiences of life both inside and outside the prison.
Their performances also featured their experiences of trauma, the justice system, the Gardai, the media and other State agencies.
Following the theatre productions, the new book featuring a wide range of contributions has now been published
One life-sentenced prisoner wrote: “I have had a lifetime of punishment and you become conditioned to it.
“There are many prisoners with the desire and potential to do so much good.
“There are people with the right support who could contribute so much to society, particularly in relation to crime, addiction and social withdrawal that many of today’s youth seem to be falling into.
“Prisoners are the ones who have committed the crimes and how have the experts not realised that, surely they could be part of the solution.”
Speaking about the book, Senator Ruane praised the project as a “significant achievement for everyone involved”
PRISONER PRIVILEGE
She said: “Working with these men over the past two and a half years has been a privilege.
“I’m proud of their work and grateful to have been part of it. It will impact all the work Iever do into the future in a way that will enrich everything I do, everything I stand for.
“We hope the book will start conversations about those with decision makers.
“The book has a dual purpose – to fund a project the men have designed to work with young men through the arts, to have a legacy to help young men avoid prison sentences.”
FUNDS DONATED
She added: “This book is the men’s way of owning their power as men of influence in a positive way.
“They feel compelled to contribute to the world and protect younger men from having to experience what they have gone through.
“Every penny from the book goes to the men’s vision for a programme where they would work with young men through the arts to explore power – they had a transformative experience making this work and they want to create that for the young men – they are only focused on creating a better world for them.”
- The publication is priced at €20 and available from bookupstairs.ie
