Can the arts prevent ex-prisoners from re-offending?
More than one in four criminals reoffend within a year, according to the most recent Ministry of Justice figures.
Debarred Theatre founder Dean Stalham is a writer, visual artist and activist for prison reform - as well as a former prisoner himself.
He believes theatre builds the confidence of ex-offenders and, as a result, tackles re-offending and offers means for rehabilitation.
Dean's play, The Barred, was performed in a reading at the Royal Court Theatre earlier this year.
He spoke to BBC News about how art saved his life, and why he wants to help others.
Video journalist: Shan Ng
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