Synergy Theatre Project

Synergy creates ground-breaking work which harnesses the energy, instincts and life experiences of prisoners, ex-prisoners, young offenders and young people at risk of offending. We want to inspire change by affecting feelings, attitudes and behaviour and to provide practical opportunities which build a bridge from prison to social reintegration. We are also concerned with the impact of our work in public and want to use stories to humanise and provide new insights into the criminal justice system. Central to our approach is a commitment to artistic quality, empowerment of beneficiaries with the work taking place both in theatres and prisons and non-traditional venues, playing to diverse audiences and promoting mutual exchange between performers and audience to break down social barriers. Synergy works with many artists at the cutting edge of contemporary practice and wants to push the boundaries of what can be achieved in theatre in criminal justice and for the work to be far reaching in terms of beneficiaries and audiences. Synergy’s work comprises the following strands of activity: theatre productions, an education programme, a new writing programme and a theatre-based training programme for ex-prisoners.