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Prison?

This is a true story which is told using puppetry, masks, physical theatre and dance.

In October 1993 Charlie Ryder took part in a demonstration to shut down the BNP headquarters in Welling, Southeast London. Police violence triggered a riot in which Charlie participated.  


Months later, he was featured on 'Crime Monthly', a TV show which appealed for some of Britain's most wanted criminals. He was arrested the same night and, after waiting nearly 2 years, he was sent to prison for 16 months. While in prison Charlie kept a scrapbook to record poems, letters and art work. In 2007, Battersea Arts Centre granted Charlie rehearsal space to develop his ideas for bringing the scrapbook to life. Using puppets, masks, physical theatre, visual art and dance with powerful music, he shines a light on his journey through prison.

Edinburgh Festival, 2007 The Scotsman review, Sally Stott: “What does going to prison really entail?...[Charlie] gives a rare and honest insight into the prison system, putting a face to what is often the faceless idea of “the prisoner.”...he is a wonderfully open and impassioned performer, a genuine person who you would not want to see behind bars...In particular the de-humanising effects of well known procedures, such as being strip-searched are clearly examined in his spotlight...It is difficult to come away from this piece thinking that prison in its current manifestation is a good idea.  That is Charlie's aim - to make you question the system and it is something he definitely achieves.”





Website design (c)2011 Raven Kaliana, all content (c)2010-2011 Charlie Ryder and named collaborating artists.