Statistics show that most people who leave prison will eventually return, but a new music program for vulnerable individuals in jail is trying to help women buck that trend. First Nations singer-songwriter Nancy Bates has been visiting the Adelaide women's prison for more than two years to teach inmates how to write songs, sing and play the ukulele, culminating in a chance to perform on January 26.
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:00 When Fabian Bruchell learned how to play an instrument while in an Adelaide jail, it was
00:07 life changing for the 34 year old.
00:15 We're learning how to express and finally heal with the traumas that we've faced in
00:22 life.
00:23 Miss Bruchell was one of 10 women chosen to participate in a music program for inmates
00:28 at the Adelaide Women's Prison.
00:30 The program is led by First Nations singer songwriter Nancy Bates.
00:36 Working with this group of women is some of the best creative work that I've ever been
00:42 part of.
00:43 Everyone has managed to find a G.
00:45 Miss Bates has been teaching prisoners the importance of music and how it can be a powerful
00:50 tool for healing and redemption.
00:55 The number of female prisoners is increasing at a rate faster than it is for men.
01:01 And Miss Bates hopes the Songs Inside program can help keep vulnerable women from returning
01:05 to jail.
01:06 And we want people to be coming out of prisons in a much better position than what they entered
01:12 prison in and so we need to all care about this space and we all need to invest in this
01:17 space.
01:18 The program has been recognised by the Australia Day Council of South Australia.
01:23 It's the group of current and former prisoners invited to perform alongside the youth orchestra
01:29 as part of Adelaide's January 26th festivities.
01:33 Rather than being seen as an inmate or a criminal or an ex-criminal or ex-addict, to be seen
01:39 as a musician.
01:40 These are women who've made significant decisions to turn their life around.
01:47 A second chance they're determined to make the most of.
01:54 [applause]
01:57 [applause]
01:59 [ Applause ]
02:00 [ Silence ]
02:00 [BLANK_AUDIO]