Productions

Upside Voices

A series of groups created in Glasgow and Dundee explored life after custody and the lasting impact of a prison sentence.

Being heard, recognised and connected

The sessions used participatory and forum theatre, image work, embodied exercises, storytelling and collaborative reflection to explore lived experiences of justice and related systems.

The project had the following aims:

  • Build safe, trusting and participatory group spaces

  • Encourage connection through creative and embodied exercises

  • Explore lived experiences connected to the justice system and post-release life

  • Support confidence, communication and self-expression

  • Introduce Forum Theatre and participatory theatre techniques as tools for reflection and change

  • Develop collective analysis around systems, inequality, trauma, and support

  • Create opportunities for participants to influence services and wider systems through creative expression

“It’s good to be in this space, hearing personal stories, the threads that connect us.”

Meet Upside Voices

“It’s good to be heard…
we’re not alone.”

Glasgow group member

“Society is unforgiving.”

Glasgow group member

“When trauma is not addressed… we’re not getting to the root causes.”

Glasgow group member

“You can try to address so many issues, but if you don’t have a place to stay at the end of the day, what difference does it make?”

Dundee group member

Impact of this project so far

The first phase of the Upside Voices partnership has demonstrated the significant value of participatory arts approaches in creating spaces for connection, reflection, healing and collective analysis.

Across Glasgow and Dundee, participants engaged courageously with complex and emotionally difficult themes while building trust, confidence and solidarity.

Participants repeatedly articulated the importance of being heard, recognised and connected.

The work has already demonstrated the potential to:

  • Reduce isolation

  • Strengthen peer connection

  • Build confidence

  • Generate critical insight into systems and services

  • Create opportunities for collective voice and influence