Synergy Theatre Project, The Memory of Water

The Memory of Water

On the eve of their mother's funeral, three daughters reflect on their memories. Shelagh Stephenson's play is a moving exploration of grief, memory and family relationships. These themes had a powerful resonance with the cast, the first group of female prisoners with whom Synergy had worked.

This multi-media production at HMP Downview created a fusion of dance, film and theatre. The cast and crew included nine women involved in dancing, acting and backstage roles. The prison is a closed institution where prisoners may serve a large proportion of their sentences which, for some of the cast, was over ten years.

The production was performed during April 2005 at HMP Downview to fellow prisoners and to an invited public audience.