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Synergy Theatre Project brings prisoners, ex-prisoners, and young people at risk of offending to the stage, aiming to challenge how society perceives them and how they perceive themselves. One poignant scene from their play *Lifers* depicts a prison guard helping an old man who has had an accident in his cell, despite union rules prohibiting such aid. This act of quiet compassion raises important questions about humanity, ethics, and empathy within the prison system.
The play *Lifers* specifically explores the themes of ageing and dignity behind bars. Esther Baker, the director of *Lifers* and founder of Synergy Theatre Project, emphasizes the play’s purpose, saying, “We commissioned this play to raise public awareness about ageing in prisons… But it’s morally complex, it raises a lot of questions about human rights and ethics in prisons.” The project works closely with prisoners, ex-prisoners, and young offenders to highlight these often overlooked issues.
The number of older prisoners in the UK has increased dramatically over the past two decades. According to a report by the Prison Reform Trust, the number of inmates over 50 nearly tripled between 2003 and 2023, jumping from 5,000 to almost 15,000. These older prisoners now make up one in six of the prison population, with many expected to spend their final years behind bars. Baker notes that prisoners are too often regarded merely as statistics, but she believes theatre can humanize their stories in ways official reports cannot. “There is something very powerful about live performance,” she says. “It impacts hearts and minds and humanises the stories.”
Since its founding in 2000, Synergy Theatre Project has grown from a one-woman initiative into a leading arts charity, supported by funding from Arts Council England and the London Community Foundation. The charity integrates ex-offenders into its productions both on and off stage. For example, *Lifers* involved five ex-offenders working as assistant stage managers, assistant directors, and cast members. The group also stages performances inside prisons, such as Brixton, Thameside, and Downview women’s prison, with casts made up of current prisoners. These performances, often attended by prisoners, their families, and staff, foster a sense of community and connection within the prison environment
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