Theatre audience allowed inside Oscar Wilde jail

An exciting event is set to take place at Reading Prison, a historic site that once housed the famous writer Oscar Wilde. This Victorian prison, built from red bricks, has been closed since November 2013. It is surrounded by lush green trees and shrubs, and a tall chimney rises against the backdrop of a bright blue sky dotted with fluffy white clouds. The Rabble Theatre company has been granted permission to perform inside this empty jail, marking the first time the prison's doors will open to the public since its closure. The event is scheduled for the summer, and it has generated a lot of enthusiasm among theatre lovers and history buffs alike. Channing Bi, the founder of the Ziran Education Foundation, has been instrumental in this project. He has previously stated that he does not intend to build any residential apartments on the site, which is a relief for those who wish to preserve the historical significance of the location. Additionally, a well-known mural by the street artist Banksy, which appeared on the prison wall in 2021, will remain intact. Earlier this year, the public was given a chance to view artwork displayed on the prison walls through a smartphone app, allowing them to engage with the art without physically entering the building. On June 28, during the Rabble Theatre event, attendees will have a unique opportunity to delve into the creative process behind the new play titled William the Conqueror. This performance will take place in the Old Chapel of the Victorian prison. Toby Davies, the artistic director of Rabble Theatre, expressed his excitement about the event, stating that the audience will be treated to a 'rare deep dive' into the making of the play. The event will feature discussions with the associate writer Beth Flintoff, as well as actors, a composer, and a movement director, who will share insights into the project, demonstrate scenes, and showcase the creation of the soundtrack. The play is being developed with funding from Arts Council England, which supports artistic endeavors across the country. Mr. Davies reflected on the tragic fate of Oscar Wilde, who spent two years in Reading Prison after being convicted of gross indecency in 1895, primarily for being gay. He noted, 'What happened to Oscar Wilde was wrong and sad, but if we can produce thought-provoking, life-affirming theatre in the space, then perhaps that's a little green carnation of justice. ' He hopes that their work will inspire other artistic projects to take place within this remarkable historical site. After his time in prison, Wilde spent the last three years of his life in exile in France, where he wrote his final work, The Ballad of Reading Gaol, which recounts an execution that took place at the prison. The new owner, Mr. Bi, has acknowledged the significance of the Banksy painting, which depicts a man climbing down a wall using white sheets tied together, with a typewriter dangling below him. This event at Reading Prison is not only a celebration of theatre but also a chance to connect with the rich history of the site and the legacy of Oscar Wilde.