Brief Encounter With … Whoop’n’Wail Theatre Company
eXclusion marks the debut production of Whoop’n’Wail theatre company, as well as the world premiere of this play. eXclusion sees three women compete for release from prison, dealing with the courts, the public and the press. In association with the UK charity Women in Prison the play explores the relationship between the three women and their unusual environment. Deborah Klayman and Ali Kemp talk about their company and the play.
What made you decide to start your own theatre company?
D: Ali and I enjoy performing together and have been friends for years, so it was a fairly natural progression. Because we already had that close relationship we knew we could be honest with each other – that’s really important when you are creating work you are passionate about.
Why look at women’s imprisonment in particular?
A: We both have a background in mental health and Deborah has worked in secure services, so it’s something that we had a shared interest in.
D: I saw fantastic productions at previous festivals that addressed issues around men’s
imprisonment, but we were hard-pressed to find similar plays about women. The
majority of women are not violent offenders, and many won’t actually get a custodial
sentence once they are finally tried, plus the statistics on mental health in women’s
prisons are unbelievable – 70% of women in prison have two or more mental health
conditions. Also, only about 5% of children stay in their home when their mother is
incarcerated – we talk about the cost of prisons, but there’s a social cost too.
How did you come to work with the charity ‘Women in Prison’ on eXclusion?
A: We had already decided we wanted to look at incarceration, but we weren’t sure
how best to bring out the reality of the women’s lives. We approached WiP to ask for
permission to use information from one of their campaigns, and that was
the start of our collaboration. It’s been extremely helpful for us to have their support.
How have you found working with a friend as both writers and producers?
D: It’s been a lot of fun, but it’s had its challenges too! Generally we agree, but it’s
usually when we don’t that we create something we are really proud of.
A: Because we are such good friends it is also very easy to get sidetracked…
D: Definitely. Ali is the firm hand in that situation – I have a tendency to go off on a
tangent!
A: At the same time the subject matter can be quite heavy at times, so it’s great that we
can have a laugh as well.
D: We’ve definitely learned a lot, and we haven’t fallen out yet…
A: …which is just as well, as the play is on again in December!
eXclusion runs at Paradise in Augustine’s at 19.20 from 16-28 August (excl 22).
