In this powerful new play based on work with incarcerated women, hilarious parody is interspersed with the harsh reality of the cycle of incarceration.
Jasmine bursts into the world unlike your typical newborn child and is anointed a “jail baby.” Born in prison, raised by a mother who revolves in and out of the correctional system, tossed in and out of foster care, Jasmine is destined to become one of society’s monsters. When she finds herself pregnant and facing her most serious charge yet, Jasmine is horrified at the thought of having her unborn child repeat her life of despair.
Through a series of hilarious parodies, the myths of prison life for incarcerated women are presented and woven together with Jasmine’s journey. From bad prison B movies to kangaroo court, the ensemble of characters turn common beliefs on their heads in order to make the audience question their preconceptions of women offenders.
About the Author
Hope McIntyre is the Artistic Director of Sarasvati Productions and produces FemFest (Winnipeg’s annual festival of plays by women for everyone). She has an MFA in theatre directing from UVic, a BFA in theatre performance from the U of S, and completed an apprenticeship in performance at ARTTS International in England. Hope is also an award-winning playwright and is a former President of the Playwrights Guild of Canada. She has worked as a director and actor for independent theatre in various Canadian cities as well as at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Her past teaching engagements include Mount Allison University, Brandon University, Centauri Summer Arts Camp and Prairie Theatre Exchange Theatre School.
Cairn A. Moore is a director and playwright. She teaches performance at the University of Winnipeg and is the former Associate Artistic Director of FemFest. She is also the founder and owner of Actors Studio (Acting classes for Adults). Moore’s plays include Jail Baby (with Hope McIntyre,) Breaking Through (with Hope McIntyre,) Shiksa, and Lockdown.
