Performing Arts in Prisons

'Performing Arts in Prisons: Creative Perspectives is a relevant and important piece of literature that highlights the value of performing arts programming in correctional facilities internationally... While this text focuses on performing arts programming rather than creative arts therapy approaches, drama therapists who work with incarcerated individuals could find commonality and inspiration in it. This would particularly be true for clinicians whose jobs are within punitive oppressive systems where their work may not be fully supported. By reading this book, drama therapists might gain increased spontaneity to one’s interventions and framework to benefit relationships, outcomes and research with this population and the personnel.

This book can also serve as a crucial piece of literature for drama therapists who work outside of correctional facilities and organizations serving those impacted by incarceration. The modality of drama therapy is utilized to service many underserved and marginalized populations, many of whom have been impacted directly or indirectly by the effects of incarceration. Also, similar to the prison industrial complex exists the mental health industrial complex in which psychiatric institutions, service providers and treatment are rooted in carceral politics, lacking decolonized practices. Readers of the book would gain insight into how our artistic practice as drama therapists can offer culturally congruent care and how to creatively enhance our advocacy of those we serve.'

-- Mary Morris, Drama Therapy Re