This explicitly activist work of modern dance from writer-director Matt Woodhead focuses on stories unearthed at the infamous HMP Woodhill. The prison in Milton Keynes has seen an epidemic of suicides and prisoner deaths since it opened in 1992 (more than at any other institution in the UK), and most notably since the cuts of David Cameron’s era. A soundtrack collaged together partly from the testimony of family members (voiced by actors) spurts out tales of neglect, corruption and systemic entropy, over a speaker system that at times controls the flickering bulbs overhead.

Beneath this stark light source, a three-strong dance crew (under the direction of choreographer Alexzandra Sarmiento) jerks and twitches as if possessed by all the glare and noise; as if they were expressions of the forces of grief and rage compelling the lives of survivors and loved ones. A fourth dancer shifts and slides between the others, by turns menacing and doleful. They release handfuls of dust and petals to mark each life lost at Woodhill. And each name is spoken. 

This is not just a work of dance-theatre but also a document of investigative journalism. Woodhead spoke to scores of people while developing the work, including prison governors, staff and politicians. All of their voices are heard. But at the centre of the narrative are three former inmates who took their lives inside: Chris, Kevin and Stephen. Woodhill offers testament to these young men and others like them, and casts a howl of anger at the structures that failed them. 

Woodhill, Summerhall, until 27 August, 8.55pm.