Ever wondered what it’s like to spend a night in prison cell? To celebrate the recent release of the 1st and 2nd seasons of the hit show ‘Orange Is The New Black’ on DVD and Blu-Ray, Wimdu ran a special and unique competition for fans in June. Five lucky winners (accompanied by a friend) were given the chance to spend a night in an authentic prison cell. The ‘pop-up prison’, located at Berlin’s Mall of Berlin, came equipped with a TV and DVD player allowing the winners to watch the show. Here’s what they made of their experience behind bars…
Doreen and Lilian
Doreen and Lilian outside their temporary prison quarters
Doreen, a managing director and lover of American TV shows, decided to bring her daughter Lilian with her when she won the prize.
How did you feel as you entered the prison cell? Were you nervous?
It was a strange feeling to be inside of a container!
Whose side are you on: Team Alex or Team Piper?
Team Piper
How did you spend your night in the cell?
After we ate some of our favourite food we went into the cell and turned on the TV. We then watched 4 episodes of Orange Is The New Black.
Could you imagine being locked up in Litchfield Penitentiary?
No – I’m quite certain I’m not interested in being a criminal or spending every night in a prison cell!
What made you decide to participate in the competion?
Doreen: ‘Orange…’ is my daughter’s favourite show!
Alexandra and Miriam
Alexandra and Miriam in their prison bunks
Alexandra and Miriam come from Stade and are both currently doing an FSJ (voluntary social year) in the city.
On which side are you on: Team Alex or Team Piper?
Team Alex. They’re adventurous and risky! Even if their situation is slightly unrealistic, you can still empathize with their predicament in the show.
How did you spend your night in the cell?
We did some exploring of the city and went for a nice meal nearby. At 11 o’clock we entered our cell and begun to watch Orange Is The New Black. We managed a few episodes before falling asleep!
Thomas and Mattia
Thomas and Mattia
Thomas and Mattia are avid travellers. Mattia hopes to visit Scandinavia on his next trip, whilst Thomas enjoys going to Portugal.
How did you find your stay in the prison cell?
We felt very comfortable because we knew we weren’t under lock and key. We’re were excited to be part of the experience though!
What made you enter this competition?
I like very much OITNB, I wanted to know what it feels like to be confined in such a small spaces.
Who are your favourite characters from the series?
Mattia: I like Red – she’s very determined and tough. Thomas finds Tasha ‘Taytee’ Jefferson very funny.
Whose side are you on: Team Alex or Team Piper?
We’re on Team Alex!
Daniela and Christina
Daniela and Christina
Daniela (25) and Christina (24) are from South-West Germany. Christina has recently moved to Berlin and works as a Junior Buyer at Zalando. Daniela works as a media clerk at a regional newspaper. Previously they’ve enjoyed trips in Amsterdam and Berlin with Wimdu accommodation.
How did you feel as you entered the prison cell? Were you nervous?
It was fine – we knew it wasn’t for a long time!
What made you decide to enter the competition?
Me and my friend wanted to find something ‘cool’ to do and this sounded right up our street!
How did you feel when you found out that you won?
Daniela: I was very excited – I called Christina immediately!
Isabell and Alexandra
Isabell and Alexandra both come from Frankenthal, near Mannheim.
What made you decide to enter the competition?
‘Orange…’ is one of our favorite series. It seemed like an interesting idea to have the chance to spend the night in a prison cell. It’s something different. Not everyone can claim to have slept in a jail cell – it was a little adventure.
How did you feel as you entered the prison cell? Were you nervous?
Yes, we were a little nervous but also very curious.
Which character from the series do you like best and why?
I like Red very much. She’s a strong woman who isn’t to be trifled with! I’m always 100% behind the decisions she makes too. Recently I’ve become a big fan of Stella Carlin. She’s an interesting character and I’m looking forward to seeing how the character develops in the 4th season.
Whose side are you on: Team Alex or Team Piper?
Most definitely Team Piper! I thought she was a weak character at first, but over the seasons she’s matured from a girl into a strong woman. Alex, on the other hand, is just plain sneaky. I like her, but I still stand fully behind Piper.
Could you imagine a life in Litchfield Penitentiary?
I wouldn’t mind staying in Litchfield if all characters from the show were there but to be honest, I couldn’t’ imagine life in prison.
Did the night live up to your expectations? Would you spend another night in the prison cell?
The night has completely met my expectations and given the opportunity I’d definitely spend another night in the container.
did you enjoy spending some time in Berlin?
I’m from a village so it was great to spend some time in a big city. I’ve never been in Berlin before – I think it’s an amazing place and very picturesque in parts. There are lots of interesting people here too.
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