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WEST Hill Prison in Winchester is preparing for a major new production to be performed in April by prisoners, working alongside students at the University of Winchester.

The historical drama, written for the Prison Theatre Project, traces the lives of two men who are close relatives, though separated by more than 100 years.

One character, played by a prisoner, becomes fascinated by his own past, and while researching his family tree, unearths an extraordinary story about his great grandfather.

The result is a fast-moving tale providing poignant insights into the lives of the railway navvies.

Brian Woolland, playwright and director, said: "Stand or Fall grew out of a series of theatre workshops at the prison last autumn where prisoners explored possible relationships between family histories and personal identity.

"We also looked at how peer pressure can affect decision making. The play is about reclaiming your past and making new beginnings."

Mr Wolland's involvement in the Prison Theatre Project this year was made possible by a £10,444 grant from the Arts Council.

Historical research for the play has included song lyrics based on original navvy songs, together with tunes produced by the music team at West Hill HMP, Winchester.

Anne McKean, project manager from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Winchester, said: "I think there is something everyone can relate to in this play. The group has bonded very quickly and has been extremely committed. In prison, men often choose to wear the hard man' mask. Everyone has been very supportive and their generosity towards each other has been impressive."

Fourteen University drama students have been taking an active role in all the workshops. Each student has been under-studying a prisoner and has acted as a mentor, helping with aspects of line-learning, self-presentation and performance skills.

Work undertaken on the project will be accredited by the Open College Network.

Last year, the University worked with prisoners on a production of Ubu the King which received outstanding comments from critics.

Tickets are available for Stand or Fall at West Hill HMP, Winchester, on April 15, 16, 17 at 6pm with a matinee on April 16 at 2.15pm. Contact Annie McKean by emailing Annie.Mckean@winchester.ac.uk for further information.

2:23pm Wednesday 26th March 2008

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