Western gatehouse Shock

Narrative arc: Introduction

The shock of arriving at prison is a palpable memory for many prisoners. The induction into the correctional system was punctuated by a clear set of processes.

The prisoner escort would ring the bell to announce their arrival. While the vehicle remained in the cage, prisoners would be searched. The intake officer had details of arriving prisoners. He opened the small door in the big steel gate, and as the new prisoners were brought into this area, one at a time, he would check their names off his list. Once each of the prisoners had been walked through the cage, SLAM, the gate would be closed. Until their sentence was over the prisoners may never see that gate reopen.

Experience 1 (Group)

The caged entry

Characters: Young prisoner, officer

Story: A group of new prisoners are entering the Gaol for the first time.

Key audience: School groups, family groups

Suggested devices:

• Audio—Immersive soundscape:

– Current tour guides utilise techniques like slamming the gate on arrival for visitors to prompt shock as you first enter the Gaol.

– Guide rings the doorbell to signal arrival.

• Built & movable heritage The cage provides a confined space as prisoners were inducted into the institution.

Experience 2 (Group)

Guided tour point

This is the point where the guide should do their introductions, housekeeping and safety briefings.

Experience 3 (Group)

Northern gatehouse

Characters: Young prisoner, officer

Story: A group of new prisoners are processed within the northern gatehouse.

Key audience: School groups, family groups

Suggested devices:

• Furnished environments: The northern gatehouse is dressed to look like a processing office. There is a clock on the wall.

• Interaction/participation: Guide (acting as the officer) starts the processing procedures with the visitors (new prisoners). Use tactile props such as tape measures to measure visitors as they arrive or handing them bedding, which the visitors then carry across to A-wing. Guides should be stern with the visitors throughout this interaction to establish the sense of shock a young prisoner would be feeling.

Interpretation framework