Gutted

Gutted is a play about a man and his beliefs which forms part of a three day project.

It is the story of how he comes to have those beliefs. It is a story about the world and his role in it. The play explores how his "rules" or beliefs directly affect his relationships with other people, his attitude to offending and his perception of masculinity.

It is also, as the title suggests, a piece about feelings. Gutted attempts to provide a theatrical metaphor for the process by which difficult, uncomfortable feelings are often hidden, bottled up or locked away.

As we follow the central character through his childhood, adolescence, adulthood and ultimately parenthood, it becomes clear that his beliefs and behaviour are failing to work for him. They are damaging to himself, his partner and his children. Something needs to change.

The show suggests that some of these negative beliefs may be supported by many areas of society, but challenges the audience to offer other credible and positive visions of masculinity.

The three day project takes the form of a series of workshops which explore with a smaller group some of the  issues raised by the performance and  looks at alternative, positive images of masculinity.

The project is designed for adult male offenders and will be particularly relevant to those who are fathers. The audience for the show should be limited to between 30 and 40 and the follow-on residency can be delivered with either one group of 10 men or two separate groups of 10 men.

Gutted is evaluated using an adapted version of the DfES Offender Learning and Skills Unit self assessment checklist. Of the projects delivered since 2004, there have been 90% or above positive outcomes from participants to the statements: I am better at listening; I am better at understanding other people's points of view; and I would recommend the course to someone else.

This production was made possible by the support of The Arts Council of England and support for performances in Scotland was provided by The Scottish Arts Council.

"Gutted gave me for probably the first time an objective look at the effects of my lifestyle on my family"

Inmate, HMP Elmley

"Geese Theatre's participation made people feel like they wanted to change."

"Put a lot into perspective - allowed for better understanding of our own issues and possibly how to deal with them."

"It showed that the changes you want to make are within your grasp"

Inmates, HMP Standford Hill