A Question of Habit

Synopsis

A women’s prison, where the harsh realities of incarceration clash with personal identity and hope for the future.

Drawing from her own experiences as an inmate, Jacki Holborough’s The Question of Habit offers an unflinching look at life inside a women’s prison. The play follows a group of incarcerated women as they navigate the dehumanizing effects of institutional control, grappling with their pasts and uncertain futures. As the characters struggle to maintain their sense of self within the confining walls, Holborough explores the profound psychological impact of imprisonment and the challenges of reintegration into society.

Part of Clean Break Theatre’s groundbreaking early work, The Question of Habit is a raw and powerful examination of women’s experiences in the criminal justice system. Through a series of vignettes and monologues, Holborough exposes the often-invisible emotional toll of incarceration. The play’s structure mimics the repetitive nature of prison life, punctuated by moments of intense introspection and conflict. By giving voice to these marginalized stories, Holborough challenges audiences to confront societal attitudes towards women offenders and question the efficacy of the prison system itself.