Jean Trounstine (Video); How Literature Transforms Women Behind Bars

Join Dr Naomi Murphy and David Jones as they delve into the transformative power of literature within the criminal justice system, through the inspiring insights of Jean Trounstine. An author, activist, and educator, Jean shares her decades of work supporting incarcerated women, the arts behind bars, and her journey creating impactful stories that challenge perceptions of justice and rehabilitation. Her first novel, 'Sounds like trouble to me' is released on 12th May.

In this episode, we cover:

• Jean’s personal journey into prison education and theatre
• The role of arts and literature in fostering rehabilitation
• Differences between the US and England in prison programming
• The impact of classic literature, including Shakespeare, behind bars
• The significance of the Me Too movement in prison reform
• The process of researching and ensuring authenticity in her writing
• How storytelling can reveal the humanity of incarcerated women
• The community and bonds formed among women in prison
• Challenges and opportunities in addressing sensitive topics like abuse and trauma
• Jean’s current projects and future plans for her writing

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Jean Trounstine and her work in prison theatre
02:06 - How literature and theatre started shaping her activism
04:22 - The unique setting of Framingham Women’s Prison and its history
05:50 - The decline in prison arts programs in the US
06:42 - Comparing approaches to prison arts in England and the US
08:33 - Plans to bring Shakespeare to women in prison
10:02 - The importance of exposing prisoners to classical texts
12:03 - Jean’s pioneering work directing Shakespeare in prison worldwide
13:46 - Her journey from memoir to fiction with her novel “Sounds Like Trouble to Me”
15:20 - True stories inspiring her novel
16:18 - The uprising at Dublin’s federal prison and its influence on her work
17:39 - The development of her characters inspired by real women
19:26 - Building authenticity for prison-related details and legal accuracy
22:03 - The storytelling process and discovering the narrative organically
24:14 - The message of hope and resilience in her book, “Sounds Like Trouble to Me”
25:52 - Addressing abuse, trauma, and societal myths about women in prison
29:49 - The impact of her work on understanding and rethinking incarceration
33:07 - The significance of the Me Too movement in her narratives
37:42 - The importance of friendship and solidarity among women in prison
40:54 - Personal stories that highlight vulnerability and connection
43:56 - The influence of risk-taking and building trust through theatre
48:48 - The “Changing Life Through Literature” program and its success
54:22 - Upcoming projects and the future of Jean’s writing and activism