BAGUIO City Jail Female Dormitory (BCJFD) warden Senior Inspector April Rose Ayangwa said the dose of theatre at the jail has made persons deprived of liberty (PDL) gain confidence and has boosted their morale.
The city jail has already produced two plays where both male and female dormitories have participated led by local director Angelo Aurelio.
Both plays, “The Anatomy of an Octopus woman,” and the “The Black Saturday play or Selda Senakulo,” have gained awards and nominations from the Aliw Awards Foundation.
Ayangwa said theatre is a good program for PDLs as they have been given a platform to share their stories to the public despite being detained.
She said the therapeutic effects of the plays have not only boosted self-esteem and confidence of inmates but also helped the facility personnel lessening stress and making management easier.
Previously, the BCJFD has been awarded as Best Therapeutic Community Implementer and Ayangwa as Best City Jail Warden of the Year in last year’s 2017 Regional Search for Bureau of Jail Management and Penology’s (BJMP) Bests.
Ayangwa said a budget for the jail is being asked in order to fund more cultural activities, which now rely heavily on volunteers and donations.
The warden said funding is also needed for the gender awareness program of the jail in order to give more services to PDLs.
The Black Saturday play this year is a contender for the Aliw Awards next month for Best Director for New Concept Production, Best Performer in a New Concept Production and Best New Concept Production.
Last year director Aurelio bagged two trophies at the Aliw Awards for his play also at the BJMP, “Anatomy of an Octopus Woman” for Best New Concept Production and Best Director.