Over half of people in prison are thought to be neurodivergent. This creates additional challenges in an already high-stress environment, particuarly when undiagnosed.

After decades of addiction, Shug is finally finding his feet. But when an unpredictable new cellmate moves him, his carefully constructed sense of self threatens to unravel. Inspired by the experiences of Scottish prisoners and the author’s own journey with undiagnosed ADHD and autism, this is a powerful play about the struggle to claim your place in the world when the poeple around you can’t understand what’s going on inside your brain.

Emerging from the University of Edinburgh’s major REALITIES research programme, which addresses health disparities across Scotland, Mind of Man offers a compelling challenge to prisoners, policymakers, and the wider public. This debut performance will be followed by a panel discussion exploring the themes of neurodivergence, incarceration, and mental health.

Developed by Sam Rowe, Lauren Bianchi, and prisoners, with support from Bethany Christian Trust.