I carry poetry in on my tongue. In my blood. On my breath. Through the metal detectors and x-ray scanners. Into that correctional space. Inside the fence line. Into those cells. That yard.
- Dr Gareth Jenkins
On the 31st August 2015, we returned to John Morony Correctional Centre in Western Sydney for a new series of workshops with poets Candy Royalle and Dr Gareth Jenkins. After visiting in 2010 and 2013, this was our third visit to the centre, now with more stories and more voices to share from within the centre.
Of the visits, poet Dr. Gareth Jenkins said ‘It is a small gesture, our presence inside the perimeter. I know this but every time I’m struck by its power. A space to speak and be heard in that void where the voice has been stifled. “I’ve never told anyone this…This has helped me get things straight in my mind for the first time…We don’t normally share things in here, there’s always someone waiting to use it against you.”’
You can read his full blog post here »
Print Anthologies
As with all the Unlocked projects, The Red Room Company has created a print anthology - available through our online store - which will be given to the students for themselves or to give to friends and family. Jailbreak was also recording the program for an audio record of our experience at the John Morony centre.
