Knife Crime Play Staged Before Prisoners

The staging of a play on knife crime before prisoners has been praised by the Prison Service Director General.

'Long Road' is a play by English dramatist Shelagh Stephenson which deals with the impact of knife crime in society.

The work has been performed twice over the past fortnight at Hydebank Wood Prison in front of female prisoners and young offenders.

The staging of the play has been supported by the Thomas Devlin Foundation, which was set up in the name of the 15-year-old who died after he was stabbed in 2005 in north Belfast.

NIPS Director General, Sue McAllister said: "The tragic circumstances of the murder of Thomas Devlin in 2005 and the legacy that his death has left, are a reminder of the consequences and impact upon victims of knife-crime.

"Rehabilitation is a core objective for the Prison Service and I am a firm believer that initiatives such as bringing a hard hitting play like this direct to the prison environment can have a very positive impact. I want to thank the Lyric and performers for coming to Hydebank and providing our prisoners with the opportunity to see such a thought provoking play, which vividly helps get the message across about the reality of knife crime on victims."

Director Richard Croxford, from the Lyric, said: "The prisoners sat attentively throughout; I couldn’t believe how tuned into it they were.

"There were also some very insightful questions by the audience during the Q&A session. I know from talking to the prison officers that the prisoners were affected by the play, which was the aim. The prison officers, themselves, thought it was a very raw, emotional piece and will be providing a counselling service for any of the prisoners affected personally by the play."

(IT/CD)