Now Online for you to watch
In September Bristol Indymedia and Bristol ABC, in association with Bristol Anarchist Bookfair, put on a play called PRISON? A one man performance written and performed by Charlie Ryder. This is a true story which is creatively told using a variety of theatrical devices including puppetry, masks, physical theatre and dance.

Bristo Indymedia and Kollective Media filmed and edited this perfomance for you to watch onlline as we felt that this play was very powerful, engaging and thought provoking.

In September Bristol Indymedia and Bristol ABC, in association with Bristol Anarchist Bookfair, put on a play called PRISON? A one man performance written and performed by Charlie Ryder. This is a true story which is creatively told using a variety of theatrical devices including puppetry, masks, physical theatre and dance.

Bristol Indymedia and Kollective Media filmed and edited this perfomance for you to watch online as we felt that this play was very powerful, engaging and thought provoking.

PRISON?

In October 1993 Charlie Ryder took part in a demonstration to shut down the BNP headquarters in Welling, south-east London. This developed into a serious riot, and a few months later he was featured on the TV show Crime Monthly. He was arrested and after a two year wait was sent to prison for 16 months. In prison Charlie kept a scrapbook to record poems, letters and art work. Charlie, not a professional actor but an open and impassioned performer, has brought the scrapbook to life as a full production.

What does going to prison really entail? This gives a rare and honest insight into the prison system, putting a face to what is often the faceless idea of 'the prisoner'. The play depicts the trauma of prison, in particular the de-humanising effects of well known procedures, such as being strip-searched, are clearly examined.

Review from Pascale who watched the play on the night.

Review of 'Prison' by Charlie Ryder

A painfully honest performance from a creative activist....

My first night working at the Cube, with little knowledge of the performance scheduled that evening, I did not expect to have the privilege of witnessing such a heartfelt and unique performance that would leave others and myself highly moved and inspired.

'Prison' is a story told from the other side of the prison bars from Charlie Ryder, an intelligent and caring man, caught in the wrong place at the wrong time in a violent battle between anti BNP activists and police in the Welling race
march of 1993.

After Police video footage from the riot was exposed on national Television's 'Crime Monthly' along side Britain's most wanted criminals, Charlie's life would change forever.

In this one-man show, Ryder retells his agonizing tale, playing the part of his parents, prison officers and judge using props, wigs and puppets to enhance humor and darkness into the characters representation.

It was evident that Ryder was reliving painful memories in the story retold, with use of uncomfortable but powerful silences that left the audience in thoughts of reflection and empathy.

With amusing and compelling scenes of prisoners 'passionately passing drugs' and use of a soundtrack featuring Prodigy and Massive Attack, Ryder captured the audience continually.

In a deeper reflection, Ryder's story revealed the disgusting reality of the undeniable power of the media over the opinions of the nation and the many cracks within the British Justice and Prison system.

He says that he does not regret his actions against the BNP headquarters at Welling, as his experience opened up a new form of injustice and a cause for him to support now he is a free man.

Now acting as support for prisoners and freed prisoners, Ryder encourages the power of pacifism and creativity to create awareness of injustice.

I hope that Charlie can be an inspiration to all activists and prisoners.

http://www.bristolanarchistbookfair.org
http://bristolabc.wordpress.com

Full article and video of the play

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