CHALK
physical theatre behind bars
Co-Produced by the inmates at William Head on Stage Theatre Company
Created and Performed by SNAFU and six of the inmates from William Head Institution
Performed for the public inside William Head Prison, Victoria, BC in 2010
Directed by Ingrid Hansen
Created and Performed by SNAFU and six of the inmates from William Head Institution
Performed for the public inside William Head Prison, Victoria, BC in 2010
Directed by Ingrid Hansen
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Co-Created
& Performed by the Inmates of William Head Prison “Outside” Artist Team:
Ingrid Hansen - Director & Co-Creator Anne Cirillo - Performer & Creative Collaborator Kerem Cetinel - Lighting Designer |
This is no night at the opera. CHALK is physical theatre performed in-the-round, by prisoners, for a public audience. Follow eight children ‘down the rabbit hole’ into their dreams, fantasies and nightmares, as they face their fear of being alone. William Head on Stage Theatre Society is the only prison theatre company of it’s kind in Canada where the general public can buy a ticket, enter the Institution, and experience their live shows.
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The Company: William Head On Stage (W.h.O.S.)
Men at William Head Prison have been running WHoS from inside the prison for the past 30 years. The inmates choose the plays, build the sets, manage tickets, sew costumes and perform in the shows. “WHoS has also provided me with the ability to give back to the community.” – WHoS Inmate Participant
“I am not a regular theatre-goer. My husband and I were invited to “Chalk” by a friend who’s a vocal fan of William Head on Stage. . . The participants created an ensemble piece from start to finish, pushing their own limits of emotional and physical comfort. What a life-changing process, and not one to which enough people have access, inmates or not. I feel a real sense of hope for these men, knowing that this WHoS production was a part of their preparation to re-enter society. I hope they emerge changed, strengthened and opened by this experience.” - Audience Letter
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“I have observed and been involved with similar programs elsewhere, as
well as WHoS: they do much good – it is clear that they reduce
recidivism rates. At the University of Victoria we had several “Alumni”
from William Head and Matsqui who went on to UVic, finished their
degrees, and founded their own theatre company – good for them, good for the community, good for society.”
- Audience Commentary “I have seen almost every production WHoS has produced for the past 9 years. This program is vital because of the opportunities for growth which are presented in a way which supports free choice. I am proud to be a supporter of WHoS and value its contribution to our community.” - Audience Commentary “[Being involved in WHoS] made me feel like I was part of a community rather than in a prison.” |
“WHoS is a safe place where we don’t have to wear a mask or project an image that we think we need when living in a prison population, which at time can be a very negative place. When guys like me become involved with WHoS they enter into a positive environment where they are supported in what they are trying to do, the positive changes they are trying to make. For myself, the theatre company has, and will continue to present opportunities to change my life for the better, and I am grateful to be a part of it.” – WHoS Inmate Participant |
“I love the sense of accomplishment; it’s addictive. It’s therapeutic in spite of you, it happens without you realizing it.” – WHoS Inmate Participant |
Audience Reminders:
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