In the harsh realities of Scottish prisons, a new theatrical production is shedding light on a pressing issue: life after incarceration. 'A Giant on the Bridge' is a powerful gig-theatre piece that delves into the complexities of re-entry and decarceration, exploring the devastating effects of returning to society.
Born from a research project that revealed alarming statistics about individuals being sent back to prison, this ambitious production was co-created by singer-songwriter Jo Mango and theatre-maker Liam Hurley. Over 20 intense songwriting sessions with over 200 participants, including people incarcerated and those on the outside, emerged a collection of poignant songs that capture the human experience.
The performances take centre stage as an ensemble of Scottish musicians – Louis Abbott from Admiral Fallow, Kim Grant (aka Raveloe), Jill O'Sullivan, and rapper Dave Hook – bring these narratives to life with raw emotion. In one remarkable instance, a song penned by a prison officer resonated deeply with the audience, addressing the emotional struggles faced by those serving time behind bars.
At its core, 'A Giant on the Bridge' showcases the power of collective storytelling, where diverse voices blend in perfect harmony. The theatrical magic lies not just in the performances but also in how each cast member, having considered themselves non-performers beforehand, found themselves becoming characters within the narrative. This organic connection is amplified by a stripped-back, immersive environment that lets the raw emotion shine through.
As Liam Hurley reflects on their collaborative process, it's clear that 'A Giant on the Bridge' has evolved into its own entity from its inception. Having grown more confident in its narrative shape over time, the show now offers a profound and intimate experience for audiences, tackling a complex issue with nuance and empathy.
Jo Mango encapsulates this sentiment when she says: "We can't all talk at the same time, but we can all sing at the same time." It is through these shared melodies that 'A Giant on the Bridge' manages to tap into our deepest emotions and stir meaningful conversations about justice, compassion, and redemption.
Born from a research project that revealed alarming statistics about individuals being sent back to prison, this ambitious production was co-created by singer-songwriter Jo Mango and theatre-maker Liam Hurley. Over 20 intense songwriting sessions with over 200 participants, including people incarcerated and those on the outside, emerged a collection of poignant songs that capture the human experience.
The performances take centre stage as an ensemble of Scottish musicians – Louis Abbott from Admiral Fallow, Kim Grant (aka Raveloe), Jill O'Sullivan, and rapper Dave Hook – bring these narratives to life with raw emotion. In one remarkable instance, a song penned by a prison officer resonated deeply with the audience, addressing the emotional struggles faced by those serving time behind bars.
At its core, 'A Giant on the Bridge' showcases the power of collective storytelling, where diverse voices blend in perfect harmony. The theatrical magic lies not just in the performances but also in how each cast member, having considered themselves non-performers beforehand, found themselves becoming characters within the narrative. This organic connection is amplified by a stripped-back, immersive environment that lets the raw emotion shine through.
As Liam Hurley reflects on their collaborative process, it's clear that 'A Giant on the Bridge' has evolved into its own entity from its inception. Having grown more confident in its narrative shape over time, the show now offers a profound and intimate experience for audiences, tackling a complex issue with nuance and empathy.
Jo Mango encapsulates this sentiment when she says: "We can't all talk at the same time, but we can all sing at the same time." It is through these shared melodies that 'A Giant on the Bridge' manages to tap into our deepest emotions and stir meaningful conversations about justice, compassion, and redemption.
this whole production thing is like a distraction from the real issue, ya know? Like, what's really going on behind those prison walls? 
they're not just gonna let you out and be all happy and free, nope! There's gotta be some strings being pulled somewhere. And what about all these people who get released and then end up back in the system? That's like a whole other agenda right there... 
This new Scottish theatrical production is giving me LIFE 
. I mean who wouldn't want to see a gig-theatre piece tackle harsh realities like life after incarceration? The fact that it was created with real people who've been incarcerated and those on the outside is giving me all the feels 
the performances are insane especially that prison officer's song lol did u catch any good bits??
they brought together so many diverse voices & now ur hearing them in perfect harmony 
. The fact that even a prison officer's story was able to resonate with the audience is just heartbreaking 
. I think it's really cool how the performers weren't initially comfortable with being on stage, but ended up becoming characters in their own right 
. You know how it was back in the 90s when people would actually sing in public? I mean, we used to love going to pubs and just belting out our favorite tunes with friends. Now, it feels like everyone's lost that spark. But 'A Giant on the Bridge' is like a breath of fresh air - those musicians really know how to connect with the audience through their music.
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and it's literally shed light on the devastating effects of re-entry & decarceration 
and it's amazing that they're using music to tap into our emotions & spark meaningful conversations about justice 
I think this production is so important because it's not just a show, it's a conversation starter 
. It's making us think about what happens when people get out of prison and how we can support them to turn their lives around 
. The way the music comes together from all these different perspectives is really powerful 
. I'm curious to know more about the impact this show will have on Scottish society, especially in terms of raising awareness and sparking change 
. How many people have seen it so far? What are the plans for its future?