Since early 2023, actor, director, and writer Ciaran Bermingham has been working with students at Cork Prison, helping them capture their life stories and transform them into a compelling piece of theatre. Through a series of workshops, participants have developed their narratives, which will be further refined by the prison’s drama group into a full play in Summer 2024.

Professional actors will join the project to bring these characters to life, performing alongside the students of the prison school to present the final production in May. The play will feature not only writing and acting but also original music and rap created by the participants. The performance will be staged in Cork Prison, with an audience of prisoners, prison staff, and invited guests.

This project gives prisoners a powerful platform to share their voices and experiences, recognising the traumas they've faced while also helping them develop essential skills in reading, writing, and IT. For those not directly involved in the writing or drama classes, the play offers a chance to see their world reflected on stage, fostering a sense of connection and representation.

Please note that the details of events listed above are provided by the relevant Local Authorities.