Mission (I’m) Possible

Inmates on stage (image provided by Back-a-Buddy)

 

The inmates of Pollsmoor created a theater play that depicted the lives of inmates, highlighting their hopes and dreams outside of the crime that landed them in prison, subsequently becoming their identifier. It is titled “Mission (I’m) Possible”.

NICRO proposed the idea, and with the help of UCT Associate Professor Veronica Baxter who works in UCT’s theater department, the Department of Correctional Services was able to tackle this project with the objective of transforming the public’s view of prisoners.

The Pollsmoor prisoners (image provided by Back-a-Buddy)

This play not only provided a means of healing and rehabilitation for the inmates, but also dared the audience to see convicts as more than their crime. The hope was that both the inmates and audience would believe in the criminals’ ability to have a purpose-driven life after their sentence and a smooth reintegration into society.

The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) sponsored their venue for the performance which was live for two days on 28 September and 29 September. Artwork by past and present inmates was also on exhibition.

An online fundraising initiative using the donations-based crowdfunding platform, BackaBuddy, has been launched to assist with the cost to run this event. Please click through to the crowdfunding webpage here https://www.backabuddy.co.za/champion/project/mission-im-possible

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