The Free and the Unree (2019-2020) was a two-year commision with Mansions of the Future, which took inspiration from Lincoln’s Magna Carta and Charter of the Forest to explore ideas of freedom, justice and control.

The outcome was Project Zed, a radio drama created with incarcerated people at HMP Lincoln. Through discussions and workshops on themes of civic engagement, society, utopias, and dystopias the group worked together to devise the story and characters. The drama was recorded by actors in isolation, during lockdown. It premiered on National Prison Radio, direct to prison cells across England and Wales, in August 2020.

The play is set in 2069, where the main character, prisoner A168NPR, is released from The Dome, a high-tech, high-surveillance megacity. He suffers with flashbacks to horrific medical operations, secret bio-technology labs, and heavy-handed security, and as he relays his story to his rescuer Rose, he begins to piece together his memories and nightmares. The story explores an eco-conspiracy, with the controlling, punitive state forcing people to conform to receive clean air or be banished to a hinterland.

Credits:

Project Zed was co-written with Daniel, J.K., Patrick and Steven at HMP Lincoln, aided by Ruth Beale and drama therapist Sonia Rossington.

A168NPR was played by Curtis Clapham, Rose by Rebecca Gethings, Doctor X by Bill Rodgers, Prison A.I. by Ruth Beale, Screaming prisoner by Christian Statham, Zanco and the Drone by Joe Haydon. The play was directed by Ruth Beale, with dramaturgy by Anita Sullivan. Editing & sound design was by John Thursfield.

Thanks to the team at Mansions of the Future over two years, particularly Kerry Campbell, Clare Cumberlidge, Bhav Bella, Colette Griffin, Rebecca Blackwood and Rachel Long.

Commissioned by Mansions of the Future.

Broadcasts on the following stations:
National Prison Radio
Montez Press Radio
Resonance FM
Lincoln City Radio
Siren Radio