Cabaret Abolition: Brand new theatre from Glasshouse
In July, Glasshouse will executive produce a multidisciplinary event titled ‘Cabaret Abolition’, a night of theatre, poetry, song, and drag that celebrates people who have survived the prison system. The evening will feature six acts, with individuals who have either lived or worked in the UK prison system showcasing their art on the theme of abolition.
The idea for Cabaret Abolition arose when we were approached by many incredible artists with lived experience who had attended Cell Outs and were seeking collaboration. As a company, we often lament the lack of spaces within the theatre industry where individuals can ‘try out’ art they’ve created – spaces where it's acceptable to make mistakes, engage in discussions, and uplift artists at all stages of their journey. These spaces are even less accessible for those with lived experience; theatre is rife with elitism and pressure to present polished art forms, often requiring full funding. We've encountered numerous closed doors within the theatre industry, especially in London, where success often hinges on personal connections and payment in ‘exposure’. This has been our experience as two individuals who do not face the multitude of disadvantages encountered by those leaving prison and who hold privilege in many aspects of our lives – we are white, able-bodied, hold university degrees, yet struggle to make a living in this field.
Numerous charities encourage individuals in prison to explore their inner artist while serving their sentences. Art can serve as a vital outlet for those confined for 23 hours a day. We have witnessed firsthand the abundance of incredible artists emerging from our prison system, nurtured by excellent prison programs. However, upon reentry into society, they encounter a theatre and arts sector that is often highly inaccessible. This, coupled with the myriad logistical challenges faced upon release, can hinder their ability for artistic development. Feedback from artists with lived experience highlights the scarcity of venues willing to showcase their work, the prevalence of unpaid gigs (or even gigs requiring payment to participate), and a lack of community among artists.
Cabaret Abolition was born out of our frustration with the dearth of accessible, welcoming, and celebratory spaces for artists with lived experience to share their narratives. We envision this evening as a platform for radical honesty, joy, and, inevitably, a healthy dose of laughter. We made the deliberate choice to include artists who have worked within the system, in addition to those who have lived experience. Glasshouse is an abolitionist company, and this night will centre around individuals with lived experience, whose voices are often sidelined in discussions about change. It is imperative for us at Glasshouse to create environments where conversations about the system occur across various sectors prioritising individuals with lived experience, alongside prison staff, policymakers, and affected families. We've found that true power lies in bringing these diverse voices together to share ideas and experiences. Cabaret Abolition will provide a safe, intersectional space that bridges the gap between different communities affected by the system, aiming to dismantle 'us' versus 'them' narratives and recognise the humanity within all aspects of the system, working towards an abolitionist future.
Cabaret Abolition will take place at Theatre Peckham on the 27th of July at 19:00. The show will be fully captioned, BSL interpreted, and presented as a relaxed performance.
Ticket information will be released soon.
