All the world’s a stage,
And all the men and women merely players:
They have their exits and their entrances;
And one man in his time plays many parts.
William Shakespeare, As You Like It, Act II, Scene VII
At first glance, it might be hard to envision any kind of connection between performances of William Shakespeare’s plays and life in prison. One is the product of a much earlier time, appreciated and enjoyed only by the the sophisticated and respected; the other is all too much a sign of our times—dark and primal, lacking in refinement or position.
But a closer look at the Bard’s work reveals much about the struggles men and women behind bars face. Characters struggle with the ramifications of past actions, dealing with the consequences and anguishing over what might have been. There are tales of sin, of punishment, and of redemption.
The nonprofit organization Rehabilitation Through the Arts in New York City seeks to use works of Shakespeare, as well as other creative endeavors, to promote self-reflection and transformation among prisoners. The organization currently offers creative arts programs in five correctional facilities in New York state.
“This isn’t about becoming an actor or a musician,” RTA founder Katherine Vockins tells the Marshall Project, “We use art forms as vehicles to teach life skills.”
At a recent performance of Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night before 250 people in the visitor’s room at Sing Sing Prison, the Marshall Project talked with a number of the actors about the impact the program has had on how they view incarceration and their hope for the future.
“Walking around prison, you always have a mask on,” says Jason Chalkins. “… In the prison yard, if you have a disagreement with a guy, they might want to fight. In this space, if you have a disagreement, you have that opportunity to work it out in a real productive way.”
“Theater can bring me a sense of peace,” Omar Williams says. “You’re not just watching. You’re dreaming while you’re watching. It can bring me a sense of coming out of the mold, like when I’m going through a hard time. I can pretend. I became a softie.”
“… [People] are people,” concludes Floyd Lindsey. “Our nature hasn’t changed that much [in 400 years].”
The ability to see life through other eyes, in other situations, allows the men and women participating in the Shakespeare program the chance to empathize and to imagine how different actions might have produced different results. And by working together with their fellow cast members, the actors are learning and honing skills that will serve them well once they leave prison.
Ninety-five percent of prisoners eventually return to their communities from prison. Prison Fellowship works to help these men and women to be better prisoners while still incarcerated, and prepares them to be better citizens when they return to their communities. To find out how you can be a part of this transformation, visit our action page.