In 2003 "Provincia di Perugia" commisioned a short documentary on a prison art course taking place at Maiano Maximum security Prison near the Medieval city of Spoleto. The prison course was a study of the Opera "La Boheme" and the documentary was directed by Porzia Addabo. The project has since mushroomed into a major Operatic collaboration between Opera Ireland, Provincia di Perugia, Maiano Maximum security prison Italy, Mountjoy Prison Ireland, the Irish Senate and the Irish Department of Justice.
On November 18th 2006 Opera Ireland will produce Puccini's "La Boheme" at the Gaiety Theatre Dublin. The Sets and the costumes for the Opera have been designed and built at both Maiano Maximum security prison, Spoleto, Italy and Mountjoy Prison, Dublin, Ireland in a unique collaboration between the 2 prisons.
Eighteen Months ago the detainees of Maiano Prison Italy were commisioned to design and manufacture the Sets and costumes. They've risen to the challenge and have not only designed the sets and costumes with the usual level of flair and style you'd expect from Italy but have also made the Cast costumes from scratch(from raw thread) and much of the lighter elements of the sets such as lamposts and the stove. Once the sets were designed on paper at Maiano Prison, Italy they were then sent to Mountjoy Prison Ireland where the prisoners are in the final weeks of set construction. Mounjoy took on the set building as they have years of experience in building sets for the annual prison play. Again the Prisoners of Mountjoy have gone beyond the call of duty by not only constructing the sets but also producing the entire chorus costumes in the womens prison. Prisoners at both facilities are very proud of the fruits of their endeavours and are very excited about the forthcoming Productions which they will see live via Webcast.