The project started last year by journalist Urtė Karalaitė, which aims to provide emotional and social benefits to both convicts and the public, who can get to know the authentic thoughts of convicts on the “Unheard Voices” social network accounts, gathered a larger team of workshop leaders this year.
“Unheard Voices” is not T. Kavtaradze’s first meeting with prisons, their residents and stories. in 2019 together with the director Kamila Gudmonaite, she created the audio performance “Sapnavau Sapnavau”, interviewed people sentenced to life imprisonment.
In this interview with T. Kavtaradze, we ask what was the special experience of “Unheard Voices”, what moods accompanied the creative writing workshops in the women’s prison, and how she herself sees their benefits and meaning.
– What were the first impressions of the Panevėžys women’s prison and the convicts who participated in the workshop?
– When I found myself at the same table with the women for the first time, while waiting for the whole group to gather, I gradually felt a shiver rising. It’s hard to describe, but the most vivid thought at the time was that you shouldn’t be here. There was a very clear feeling that although the faces that had seen everything in life were very characteristic, they were also diverse, open and warm. Suddenly, the whole body seemed to be covered by the feeling that these people could not be sitting at this table.
Many times the participants shared that they really miss the ability to be in silence and hear their thoughts, observe their feelings and states.
I thought about it a lot afterwards, questioning the idea as sexist: did I feel that way just because it was women? However, I think this idea applies to most people in prisons. This is not to say that there are no crimes committed or irreparable consequences, but the fact that people are in these institutions is often the result of many very wrong and unfortunate circumstances and choices.
– How would you describe the mood of the meetings during the workshop?
– I think that interest and involvement, although naturally fluctuated – depending on the moods, energies, states of that day – but increased over time, because the connection and repetition, which creates the desire for continuity, increased. The developing relationship, I think, is the most important aspect of the workshop, and also, I hope, the encounter with oneself in various creative practices.
Since concentration, meditative silence, observing various internal and external processes are an integral part of my practices, from an early age I marveled at women’s respect and ability to remain silent and follow my calls.
It was this part of concentration, peace, that seemed to me to be one of the most rewarding. Many times the participants shared that they really miss the ability to be in silence and hear their thoughts, observe their feelings and states. I thought about how things could be different in similar institutions if such opportunities arose.
Erikos Ovčarenko/BNS photo/Panevėžys correctional facility
– Did you notice any signs of change, healing, greater emotional clarity among the workshop participants? In this sense, how useful and necessary are these workshops for convicts?
– I think that they are very, very useful, just – very. This was evidenced by several things: how the participants opened up and got closer during the creative process, what sensitive moments there were – from dancing and singing together while playing music to sensitive open sharing and support for each other.
Also, how much and how they were able to share openly – resisting written thoughts, during various tasks. It seemed that all this really improved the relationship with oneself and with each other.
– One of the goals of “Unheard Voices” is to establish an authentic dialogue between society and convicts, so we want to ask what, in your opinion, society still does not understand about prisoners?
– Talking about society in general seems too complicated to me, but I want to share a recurring impression and observation that really changes my understanding of convicts.
We are separated from the majority of convicts only by a few steps, experiences, environment, circumstances.
There is no longer such a clear distinction within me between those of us who are free and the rest of us who are in prisons. Despite the fact that there are certainly people who could not and should not be anywhere else, as well as various absolutely tragic examples, we are separated from the majority of convicts by only a few steps, experiences, environment, and circumstances.
Desires, desires, longings – most of the themes are humanly recurring. Of course, the longing for freedom, home, family, the desire to return to “normal life” is very much there, but other aspects are the same.
We made up stories, we wrote poems, we wrote letters, we shared passages and thoughts – we did what I do with all groups when I lead practices. When conducting workshops or otherwise directly dealing with convicts, the attitude towards them, acceptance, and vision inevitably changes – and this is already a certain example of social change.
Even if we, who participate in such a project, are a small part of the society, we share our experience with relatives, colleagues, friends – this is how the color, impression, and attitude related to prisons naturally change little by little.
Pauliaus Peleckis/BNS photo/Teklė Kavtaradze
– We cannot avoid a more general question: in your opinion, does the current system of execution of punishments really help a person to change?
– Although I am not competent to reasonably answer such a big question, I would dare to say that only partially. I take away a strong feeling that if the convicts received more similar attention and creative, ideational processes, as we tried to create with “Neizgirstais balsais” and Urte Karalaite at the head, that quality, respect and creativity could really contribute to more serious processes. And if you add quality psychological help, education, various other activities, I am sure that the change processes could be much more significant.
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2024-09-18 05:37:35
What are the emotional benefits of creative writing workshops for convicts in prison?
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Unheard Voices: The Power of Creative Writing in Prisons
In a groundbreaking initiative, journalist Urtė Karalaitė launched the “Unheard Voices” project last year, aimed at providing emotional and social benefits to both convicts and the public. The project allows the public to gain access to the authentic thoughts and experiences of convicts through social network accounts. This year, the project has expanded to include a larger team of workshop leaders.
Urtė Karalaitė is no stranger to working with prisons and their residents. In 2019, she collaborated with director Kamila Gudmonaite to create an audio performance, “Sapnavau Sapnavau,” which involved interviewing people sentenced to life imprisonment.
In an exclusive interview, we spoke with Urtė Karalaitė about her experiences with the “Unheard Voices” project, including the creative writing workshops in the women’s prison.
First Impressions of the Panevėžys Women’s Prison
“When I found myself at the same table with the women for the first time, while waiting for the whole group to gather, I gradually felt a shiver rising. It’s hard to describe, but the most vivid thought at the time was that you shouldn’t be here. There was a very clear feeling that although the faces that had seen everything in life were very characteristic, they were also diverse, open and warm. Suddenly, the whole body seemed to be covered by the feeling that these people could not be sitting at this table.”
Urtė reflects on her initial impressions, questioning whether her reaction was sexist, and realizing that it applies to most people in prisons. She acknowledges that the fact that people are in these institutions is often the result of many wrong and unfortunate circumstances and choices.
The Mood of the Meetings During the Workshop
“I think that interest and involvement, although naturally fluctuated – depending on the moods, energies, states of that day – but increased over time, because the connection and repetition, which creates the desire for continuity, increased. The developing relationship, I think, is the most important aspect of the workshop, and also, I hope, the encounter with oneself in various creative practices.”
Urtė highlights the significance of the developing relationship and the encounter with oneself through creative practices. She notes that the women’s ability to respect and remain silent was one of the most rewarding aspects of the workshop.
The Importance of Silence and Self-Reflection
“Many times the participants shared that they really miss the ability to be in silence and hear their thoughts, observe their feelings and states. I thought about how things could be different in similar institutions if such opportunities arose.”
Urtė emphasizes the importance of silence and self-reflection, which are often missing in prison environments. She hopes that such opportunities can be replicated in other institutions, leading to positive changes.
The Future of “Unheard Voices”
As the “Unheard Voices” project continues to grow, it provides a unique platform for convicts to express themselves and for the public to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences. By facilitating creative writing workshops, the project aims to promote emotional and social benefits for all involved.
About the Author
Urtė Karalaitė is a journalist and project leader of “Unheard Voices.” She has a background in audio performance and creative writing, and is dedicated to promoting social and emotional benefits through her work.
Image Credits
Erikos Ovčarenko/BNS photo/Panevėžys correctional facility
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Creative writing in prisons
Prison reform
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Convict experiences
Prison rehabilitation
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Experiences of those involved.
Unlocking the Power of Creative Expression: The “Unheard Voices” Project
In a groundbreaking initiative, journalist Urtė Karalaitė launched the “Unheard Voices” project, aiming to provide emotional and social benefits to both convicts and the general public. This innovative project brings together people from different walks of life, creating a platform for convicts to share their authentic thoughts and experiences with the world. In this article, we delve into the world of “Unheard Voices,” exploring the project’s goals, benefits, and the
