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Risdon Prison inmates know what life is like on the inside and have used that experience to bring to life convict times in a series of monologues.
The project, The Convict Monologues, was a collaboration between the inmates, local writers, musicians and actors.
Ten Risdon inmates volunteered to immerse themselves in a past world, researching the lives of early colonial convicts and writing monologues which explore how they overcame adversity and forged successful lives in Tasmania.
Tasmanian writer, playwright and ABC Radio producer, Paul McIntyre said it stemmed from a personal desire to make a difference.
"I have a couple of pen pals in prison in the USA and a couple of years ago I thought I'd really like to do something locally — on a practical level, to help support and encourage people in prison," he said.
"Last year we were putting together a short film written by Risdon inmates called Coffee and Conversations, the brain-child of Risdon Arts Officer Natasha Woods, when the idea of the Convict Monologues emerged.
"I mean, who better to write about the Convict Experience than people who know what it's like to spend time in prison?"
The performances — 10 months in the making — involved musicians from the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO).
TSO spokesman Samuel Cairnduff said the project aimed at helping inmates develop writing skills while also encouraging them to reflect on their link with the past.
"The idea was the theme of redemption and positivity and new beginnings and it was supposed to hopefully give some practical implications in their own circumstances," he said.
Mr Cairnduff said the monologues' theme struck a personal chord with the inmates, which was reflected in their work.
"They've taken them to a very personal level and become very invested in retelling those stories and expressing their own experiences through the prism of the convict stories."
Mr McIntyre said the inmates were not the only ones to benefit from the program.
"It was a learning process for everyone involved — both myself and the inmates. I guess for the inmates it was about conquering fears, learning new skills and the chance for their voices to be heard," he said.
"It's reaffirmed my belief that when you help people in prison so you are benefitting the entire community.
"Many of the inmates who participated are soon to be released and will leave with a new belief in themselves and a determination to keep writing and get their lives back on track after the experience of prison.
"The inmates were all terrific to work with — really welcoming and embracing of a new experience,
"We even had authors Alison Alexander, Stefan Petrow and Nicola Goc visit to discuss the convict experience and [the inmates'] minds were like sponges — soaking up all the information and asking really informed questions and comparing the experiences of 200 years ago to conditions today."
Although each monologue told a different convict's story, they were connected by original music from Sydney-based composer Chris Williams, played by six TSO musicians.
The Convict Monologues has been performed for the public at the historic Hobart Convict Penitentiary and at Risdon Prison for family, friends, fellow inmates and officials.
In 2015, the TSO collaborated with the prison in a music project which culminated with a performance which saw inmates perform with orchestra members.
Topics: arts-and-entertainment, prisons-and-punishment, hobart-7000
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