TM Krishna in a conversation on the inauguration of art in jail. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Sandhya Ramachandran of San Francisco, who is back for a break in Chennai, saw an Instagram reel and decided to visit the Madras Littlery Society (MLS) on 10 February. She came to the high roof, but stopped through glazed pottery work, sketch. And the mural painted by the prisoners of Pujal Central Jail. “I didn’t know about this performance, but sketches, cyanotypes and murals looked amazing. I want to know more about who made it and what the process liked, ”he said.

Some utensils shining by prisoners. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

A quick left twist at the holiday entrance of this 1814 library is enough to answer its questions. Through posters and stands, we learn about the journey of prisoners who participated in the theater performance, steller art, sang, dancing and created earthen pots as part of art in the prison project. Project 39A, National Law University, Delhi and Sumansa Foundation initiative, the ongoing Chennai photo is one of the invited projects of Bienle.

The purpose of the project, which will continue to demonstrate its work and perform a documentary by March 15 in the MLS campus, is simple. “Art should be for everyone and everyone should be able to create art,” says TM Krishna, the Carnatic musician and head of the Sumansa Foundation.

A board in MLS | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

“Project 39A and US Kovid have been in conversation about such an initiative before. Next, it was just to be for prisoners on Death Row. However, over time, it developed and became a major initiative. We held an audition and selected about 60 prisoners who were associated with various art forms. We all do not know what happens inside the jail. A savior cannot go inside with syndrome. This is why 18 facilitators of the project participated in a workshop, before we initiated the initiative to educate ourselves, ”they say.

The project coordinator, who has been visiting the prison since the establishment of the project, Rahmunisa Begum, the best part of this initiative is for weak friendship for prisoners. “Some exercises in theater demands to reduce someone’s guard. The fact is that they felt safe enough to do so and was great to see enlarged emotions, including crying. This is especially because it is often forbidden to shed tears for older people, ”she says.

Some utensils shining by prisoners. Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

TM Krishna and he adds that the request to repeat the only repeat from the prisoners was to extend the hour of practice.

Visitors who have seen this small performance in MLS want more, but this is a beginning. “People are now willing to know how things work inside the jail,” says Rahi.

Performance at the Directorate of Public Instruction Campus, Nungambakkam, by 16 March. From 10 am to 5 pm. Admission is free.