"Theatrical Gig Brings Homelessness and Desperation to the Stage in Unflinching Look"
In a powerful new work, singer-songwriter Jo Mango and theatre-maker Liam Hurley bring attention to one of society's most pressing issues: life after prison. A Giant on the Bridge is a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by those released from incarceration, shedding light on the often-overlooked problems of re-entry and decarceration.
Research for the project revealed alarming statistics about individuals who return to prison due to lack of support upon release. The creators turned to songwriting as a means to convey these experiences in an accessible way. With collaboration from over 200 participants, including both inmates and former prisoners, the resulting songs tackle complex emotions like disconnection and despair.
One striking aspect of the show is its use of music as a tool for resistance within the prison environment. Participants not only wrote about their own struggles but also created songs that reflected on societal issues, such as parental absence due to military service. The raw emotion and personal connections brought out in these performances underscore the human side of this critical issue.
A Giant on the Bridge boasts an impressive ensemble cast of Scottish musicians, each bringing their unique voice to the storytelling. From the poignant ballad "Bars and Multicoloured Chairs" to the powerful anthem "Fuck It Button", the show's musical offerings are both hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving.
The theatrical magic lies in the collective imagination brought about by this live performance. Hurley describes it as a moment where performers become characters, transcending their individual identities to create a shared experience. This intimacy is what makes A Giant on the Bridge so compelling – its ability to hold space for empathy and understanding without relying on external trappings of production.
The creators' goal was not to provide simple answers but rather to create an emotional space where audiences can sit with discomfort. The show does this by presenting complex issues in a nuanced, thought-provoking manner. As Crockett Thomas notes, theatre has the power to "allow us to vicariously live through experiences we've not had ourselves" – here, it offers us a chance to engage with homecoming on a deeply human level.
Ultimately, A Giant on the Bridge is about embracing our differences and finding connection in our shared humanity. The team's call to action echoes Hurley's sentiment: "We can't all talk at the same time, but we can all sing at the same time." As this powerful work makes its way across Scotland, it invites audiences to join in this communal expression of empathy and understanding.
A Giant on the Bridge will premiere at Cottier's theatre in Glasgow from February 25-26 before embarking on a national tour.
In a powerful new work, singer-songwriter Jo Mango and theatre-maker Liam Hurley bring attention to one of society's most pressing issues: life after prison. A Giant on the Bridge is a poignant exploration of the struggles faced by those released from incarceration, shedding light on the often-overlooked problems of re-entry and decarceration.
Research for the project revealed alarming statistics about individuals who return to prison due to lack of support upon release. The creators turned to songwriting as a means to convey these experiences in an accessible way. With collaboration from over 200 participants, including both inmates and former prisoners, the resulting songs tackle complex emotions like disconnection and despair.
One striking aspect of the show is its use of music as a tool for resistance within the prison environment. Participants not only wrote about their own struggles but also created songs that reflected on societal issues, such as parental absence due to military service. The raw emotion and personal connections brought out in these performances underscore the human side of this critical issue.
A Giant on the Bridge boasts an impressive ensemble cast of Scottish musicians, each bringing their unique voice to the storytelling. From the poignant ballad "Bars and Multicoloured Chairs" to the powerful anthem "Fuck It Button", the show's musical offerings are both hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving.
The theatrical magic lies in the collective imagination brought about by this live performance. Hurley describes it as a moment where performers become characters, transcending their individual identities to create a shared experience. This intimacy is what makes A Giant on the Bridge so compelling – its ability to hold space for empathy and understanding without relying on external trappings of production.
The creators' goal was not to provide simple answers but rather to create an emotional space where audiences can sit with discomfort. The show does this by presenting complex issues in a nuanced, thought-provoking manner. As Crockett Thomas notes, theatre has the power to "allow us to vicariously live through experiences we've not had ourselves" – here, it offers us a chance to engage with homecoming on a deeply human level.
Ultimately, A Giant on the Bridge is about embracing our differences and finding connection in our shared humanity. The team's call to action echoes Hurley's sentiment: "We can't all talk at the same time, but we can all sing at the same time." As this powerful work makes its way across Scotland, it invites audiences to join in this communal expression of empathy and understanding.
A Giant on the Bridge will premiere at Cottier's theatre in Glasgow from February 25-26 before embarking on a national tour.
! It's like, totally necessary to bring attention to life after prison and all the struggles people face upon release 
. The fact that they used music as a tool for resistance in the prison environment is genius 
. I mean, who would've thought that songs could be so powerful in sparking change? 
Also, I love how the show's creators focused on creating an emotional space for empathy and understanding rather than just providing solutions 
. It's like, we need more of this kind of storytelling in our lives! 
Can't wait to see it live on tour 
. The way it tackles homelessness and re-entry after prison is really eye-opening. The stats are crazy... like, did you know that only 20% of people who get released from prison find stable housing? It's wild. Anyway, the music in this show is insane 
I mean, some of these songs are hauntingly beautiful... "Bars and Multicoloured Chairs" gives me chills 
. And I love how it brings people together through performance – like a big ol' human hug 
. If you can get to Glasgow in Feb, you gotta check it out! [
think its kinda cool how they're tackling such an important topic like life after prison 
u know? might get some ppl riled up, but thats a good thing too, makes ppl think and engage with the issue 
Music has healing power, and I think A Giant on the Bridge is proof that it can also bring light to some of society's darkest corners 
. Can't wait to see how the show holds up live – I'm sure it'll be...enlightening 
I'm so moved by A Giant on the Bridge! It's like, you feel all these emotions just watching it, you know? The way they've woven together music and storytelling to create this raw, honest experience is pure magic 
. I love how Liam Hurley has described it as a moment where performers become characters – it's like the audience is transported into their world 
. And the stats that went into creating this show are just mind-blowing 
. It's not just a concert or a play, it's an experience 
I'm definitely going to try & catch this show when it comes to Glasgow! 
...the way it uses music as a tool for resistance in prison is so powerful 
...and i love that it's not just about raising awareness but also creating an emotional space for empathy and understanding 
i love that the creators used music as a way to share these stories, its so powerful when songs are written by people who have been through similar struggles 
cant w8 to see it live on tour! 
. The fact that they used music as a tool for resistance within the prison environment is genius, like a form of underground protest 
. But what really gets me is how this show makes us feel uncomfortable, not by offering easy solutions, but by confronting us with the harsh realities of re-entry and decarceration 
. I think that's exactly what we need more of in our conversations about prison reform - nuance, empathy, and a willingness to listen to those who have been affected by these policies 
.
. The show isn't trying to give us easy answers, but it's making us sit with the discomfort of not knowing what to do. And I think that's exactly what we need right now.
. But what's amazing is how the creators used music as a way to tackle these tough emotions and make them more relatable. I love that they included people who'd been in prison themselves in the performances, it really gives you a glimpse into their experiences.
I mean, who wouldn't want to write songs about the stuff that matters most? The way the music is used as a tool for resistance within the prison environment is also super interesting... like, imagine having your own voice back after being silenced for so long! 
it was like they were singing directly to my soul... i don't know how much more of this world we can take and stuff like A Giant on the Bridge just puts everything into perspective 