Behind the mask
We were fortunate to visit The Clink Restaurant at High Down Prison recently, and to say we were pleasantly surprised is an under-statement. After undergoing security checks, we were led to a stylishly decorated and very comfortable dining area. The three course meal we enjoyed was on a par with any top London establishment, and the waiting staff – all prisoners – were well trained, efficient and attentive as well as being very forthcoming with their stories as to how they aspired to working in The Clink, hopefully preparing for a profession they hoped to pursue on their release. The Prison Governor, Peter Dawson, introduced Head Chef, Al Crisci,the inspiration behind the original scheme who undoubtedly has given back self esteem and belief to those prisoners working with him.
The MVMF had funded a resettlement programme with The Geese Theatre Group at High Down and after lunch Geese demonstrated a role play from that workshop. It was simple in its execution but very powerful. An actor played the part a prisoner would normally take. He had a mask which he wore while the rest of the group (in this case the diners) posed questions to establish some background about his life in and out of prison. He then briefly mimed coming out of prison and waiting for his partner to pick him up. He was asked about his feelings, which he answered with some bravado from behind his mask. He was confident about his girlfriend coming, meeting his mates in the pub, the welcome he would get from his children.
He then raised the mask and answered the question with his true inner feelings. Would his partner come? They had quarrelled at her last visit. Could he get home on the bus? How could he find a job? The questions went on, each being answered with the mask down, then raised. It was a very moving insight. One of the prisoners who had taken part in the Geese sessions spoke of how he had benefited from the MVMF funding of this resettlement programme.
Wendy Mundie, MVMF supporter
