Female inmates tell their stories
SANDTON — Stories Behind Bars, a production performed by 18 female inmates, will come to the Theatre on the Square on 9 August.
Stories Behind Bars: Volume 3 is described as an electrifying musical and dance performance performed by inmates who express themselves through art and showcase the skills they have developed while in custody. Stories Behind Bars, presented by Carolyn Steyn and the Department of Correctional Services, will play at the Auto and General Theatre on the Square on Women’s Day, 9 August, at 2pm.
The cast of 18 female inmates recently performed in South Africa’s largest arts festival in Grahamstown.
The production resembles true stories of offenders, some having had well-paying jobs, who lost everything when they got involved in crime. It is based on a story of a well-raised and disciplined young girl who turned to drugs and alcohol abuse after negative influence by her peers. She later landed in prison for being an accomplice in the murder of a man in a night club.
The inmates have described this play as a liberating and life-changing process where the women are able to give voice to their souls.
The Correctional Service’s director of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture, Fezile Sipamla, said that Stories Behind Bars is just one initiative where they are able to demonstrate success stories in terms of the rehabilitation of offenders. “We are mandated to create a conducive environment to educate and skill offenders so that they can make a meaningful contribution to their communities once released,” said Sipamla.
Tickets will be R20 each and can be obtained by calling the Theatre on the Square on 011 883 8606.
