Rowan Mackenzie writes:

I was delighted to win an Inspirational Educator Award in 2020, recognising the voluntary work I was doing in prisons, facilitating collaborative Shakespeare theatre companies (under the name of Shakespeare UnBard). Winning the award was a real confidence boost for me as it evidenced the impact that my work was having on the lives of those in prison. My work has also been recognised by a Butler Trust Commendation and other prestigious awards. Prison Shakespeare may not seem an obvious thing to offer but the impact it has on those involved can be profound. I completed my PhD on Creating Space for Shakespeare including people with mental health issues, learning disabilities, lived experience of homelessness and of incarceration in January 2021. Shortly afterwards I made the decision to leave my 20-year career in financial services and focus full-time on my work in prisons. 

Having proven the impact Shakespeare could have within a range of prisons a number of them were happy to contract me for these services. I currently work permanently in four prisons each week as well as providing short-term one- and two-week residencies in several other prisons. Many of the people I work with have mental health issues, learning disabilities and/or substance misuse issues but their involvement in either my Creative Workshops or a permanent theatre company often helps them to develop transferable skills, self-confidence, positive autonomy and rekindle family ties; all of which are important for a future upon release. 

My book Creating Space for Shakespeare: Working with Marginalised Communities was published in 2023, documenting my PhD research across a range of national and international projects, many of which I was personally involved with. I have an edited collection Shakespeare and Social Engagement due out in August. Working with marginalised communities allows me to support people dealing with significant trauma and to help them along their journey to develop a non-offending identity. As one of my actors described 

For a few short hours every week we are free; although physically we remain
within the boundaries of the prison our spirits soar far above the walls and
fences. This is a true sense of freedom, one that is rarely found anywhere in
life, let alone within the high security estate. It offers each of us a few brief
moments of Nirvana.

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