Prisoners crafting a way out of jail
Prison inmates gain new skills and self-esteem through learning traditional arts and handicrafts.
As revitalization of traditional arts and crafts finds footholds all over the metropolis, one of the more unexpected venues may be Nanhui Prison, the Pudong New Area.
At a recent open day, inmates showed off new skills in paper cutting, embroidery and other traditional crafts. Some even danced for their families, instructors and prison staff.
Nanhui Prison is home to some 1,500 prisoners, mostly elderly, ailing or disabled. Classes in traditional arts are just one strand of the rehabilitation programs.
Courses cover all kinds of handicrafts. Some snip meticulously at red paper. Some sew or weave baskets. Many have found new (or resurrected long-forgotten) talents for musical instruments or even folk dancing.
At the open day, several prisoners worked on Shanghai-style woolen needlepoint tapestry. Pudong’s own tradition of Sanlin silk embroidery was also in evidence.
Three years ago, Sanlin embroidery was the first handicraft on offer. In the past year, eight courses have been added to a curriculum that now encompasses 10 subjects.
Xu Wenying, deputy head of the prison’s seventh section, told Shanghai Daily that tapestry and embroidery courses were aimed at older female inmates.
“Many used to knit,” Xu said. “For special occasions like Mother’s Day, they make gifts for members of their families.”
Chen Yao, head of the section, said the classes were taught by external teachers. “Embroidery brings a sense of tranquility to some prisoners previously prone to violent outbursts,” Chen said.
“Our inmates are in charge of their whole creative process. They create and execute their own patterns, so the teachers aren’t much needed anymore.”
Prison inmates gain new skills and self-esteem through learning traditional arts and handicrafts.
Dalianxiang, a folk dance popular on the outskirts of Shanghai, is one of the new courses. The dancer wields a lianxiang, a stick with copper coins and colored streamers attached. It is used to hit xuewei, points believed in traditional Chinese medicine to relax the muscles and stimulate blood flow.
Ding, 53-year-old male prisoner serving a 15-year sentence for fraud, is one of the dalianxiang team. Initially reluctant, he thought dancing was a bit sissy. However, course teacher Li Meihua from Qingcun Town community cultural center came up with some more “manly” movements which galvanized participation.
Ding had never danced before, but now his self-confidence is such that he feels he can do almost anything if he makes the effort. As a recovered cancer patient, he said he was also thankful for the way dancing had improved his health.
“I never imagined they could perform so well after just a few months,” Li said. “In early classes, they could barely execute a single movement. But we worked hard and little by little, together we came up with a three-minute routine. You can see how well it works.”
Li said she enjoys seeing the smiles on her dancers’ faces and the inmates always show her immense kindness and respect. Behind bars or not, everyone deserves rich cultural experiences, she added.
Chen Lisong, deputy head of the prison is very pleased with what the courses have acheived so far.
“Today 250 prisoners are in the program,” Chen said. “The next step is 800, and then perhaps all inmates.”
Today’s prison authorities have realized that by teaching inmates traditional crafting skills, a more rewarding and stimulating rehabilitation program can emerge, making life inside easier for all.
Nanhui Prison is not the only one with cultural courses. Wujiaochang Prison in Yangpu District has introduced straw weaving.
“The weaving is quite easy and requires very few tools,” said Zhang Yixiang, in charge of education in the prison.
“Weaving straw requires close attention to detail and takes time. Prisoners have no choice but to learn patience.”
Shanghai Women’s Prison and the Prison for Orientation also have art courses.
Suzhou embroidery with a history of 2000 years is popular.
“It has proven quite effective in toning down bad tempers,” said Li Cuiping, in charge of courses at the prison. “As they sew together, personal differences abate and they get along better.”
Inmates are also getting into needlepoint and pottery. Tapestries made in the prison are sold and the income returned to inmates.
“My time here has given me a chance to learn things I never thought of before,” said inmate Wang, also serving a sentence for fraud.
She has an enthusiasm for study that may provide a new life when she is released in three years. She is working on a bachelor’s degree in literature. Several of her pottery pieces are on display in the prison.
“I will always be thankful for this chance to turn over a new leaf,” she said.
An inmates sewing a tiger in Shanghai Women's Prison.
