Re-enactments
The Boggo Road Gaol Prison Players recreate "life" inside the walls of century old Number Two Division of Brisbane Prison a.k.a. Boggo-road Gaol through Themed Functions/Events and Re-enactments. Today, Number Two Division is the only remaining section of this notorious Brisbane Gaol.
Historically accurate in appearance, costume, props, appearance, language and knowledge, the "Prison Players" entertain guests and educate visitors by allowing them to experience elements of the atmosphere of Boggo Road Gaol. In the minds of the Prison Players, visitors to the gaol are either "Inmates" like themselves or "Officials", and interact with them only in the way they would in an active, fully functioning prison. The Prison Players remain trapped, as spirits, in the time period in which they lived.
Founded in 2001 by local dark historian Jack Sim in consultation with former prison officers and inmates, visitors will experience first hand scenes from the Road's past. Some are funny, some horrific, some pathetic & others terrifying - all accurate & real.
There are 2 divisions reflecting two different time periods of the history of Boggo Road Gaol:
Female Division - 1900s
( recreating H. M. Gaol for Women, Brisbane circa 1900s )
The Matron - responsibility for the due order, daily administration, management and discipline of the prison under her care. She resides on the gaol property above the gatehouse. She is also responsible for all records and book keeping including returns of inmates discharged and admitted. She was firm but understanding in the application of her duties. Where practicable she shall see each inmate daily, make inspections of the gaol and supervise musters. In the 1900s this was a very responsible position for a woman.
Senior Wardress - In charge of the organisation of staff directly in contact with the inmates. Directly answerable to the matron. Will assume responsibilities of the Matron in her absence or when directed by her to do so. Most importantly she shall not permit any male officer or male visitors to enter or go amongst female inmates except in the company with or under observation of a female officer.
Wardress - These female staff are directly answerable to the Senior Wardress or the Matron. Paid an average wage, they were required to pass an exam to gain employment. They were required to follow the Queensland Prison Act 1890, applying the rules and regulations contained within to the letter. In practice they occasionally failed in their duties. The senior wardress was ever present to ensure transgressions did not happen twice.
Female Inmates - Women prisoners serving various sentences moved into and out of the system regularly. They were totally under the control of the state, at least according to the regulations of the Prison Act. In practice whilst the majority were well behaved, the older inmates were troublesome and caused their share of difficulties for the staff.
Male Division - 1950s
( recreating No. 2 Division, H. M. Prison, Brisbane circa 1950s )
Chief Prison Officer (C.P.O.) - The Chief Prison Officer has charge of the prison in the absence of the Superintendent and Duty Superintendent and carries out the duties of those officers when necessary during their absence. He is diligent in the application of these duties. Under the control of the Deputy Superintendent, the C.P.O. has charge of the Prison Officers and is responsible for the order, discipline and efficiency of the officers and the proper performance of their duties. He sees that all prisoners are searched in accordance with the Regulations, that the prison is in a state of cleanliness, and that it is secure. He is present at musters and roll calls and superintends the arrival and departure of all prisoners. He supervises the distribution of meals to prisoners and to see that they are delivered speedily and palatable. He is responsible for ensuring that Wing Officers search their cells and wings thoroughly, and that all doors and locked are checked, and to make careful examination of the Prison and to ensure that all Posts are correctly manned. He is accountable for all keys and must report the correctness or otherwise of the prison to the Superintendent before he leaves the Prison.
This position was occupied by an officer with many years of experience in the prison system.
Senior Officer - In the absence of the C.P.O. the Senior Officer assumes the full duties of the C.P.O. The Senior is in charge of supervising the locking up of prisoners. the organisation of staff directly in contact with the inmates. Directly answerable to the matron. Will assume responsibilities of the Matron in her absence or when directed by her to do so. Most importantly she shall not permit any male officer or male visitors to enter or go amongst female inmates except in the company with or under observation of a female officer.
Prison Officer - These male staff are directly answerable to the Senior Officer and his superiors.
Male Inmates - Men serving various sentences in No. 2 Division were serving lengthy time inside, many doing "life" for violent crimes including murder. They were divided into separate classes under the Prison Act 1890 depending on the behaviour, previous history and the offence with which they were charged. Many became institutionalised, some dependant on the prison walls for everything, others rose in status to become legends amongst the men, some aggressive and violent towards others, most hating their surrounds, they counted the years and days until their release.