A UNIQUE drama programme which weaves together fiction and real-life experiences to support people’s rehabilitation, has appeared on STV’s Scotland Tonight.
The entire episode on Thursday was dedicated to a lengthy piece on the benefits of ‘Anonymous Drama’ at HMP Shotts.
The 12-week programme, which is also run at two other establishments, is described as being like drama therapy, for people who usually have no interest in either.
Facilitated by the Creative Change Collective, it encourages participants to draw on their lived experience and build self-esteem, confidence, and life skills.
The unique element of Anonymous Drama is that participants do not reveal which parts of the stories they choose to tell are fictional, and which parts are based on real life. The idea is that this allows people who might struggle to express themselves to do so in a safe environment.
Over the course of the 12 weeks, a group script is developed, culminating in a rehearsed reading for friends, family, and invited guests.
STV were invited into HMP Shotts to film the first successful delivery of the programme there and speak to staff and participants. The TV piece can be viewed by following the Youtube link below.