Part of my focus with this blog is not only to share what's happening in the world of Wandering Souls but spotlight other companies which also believe in the importance of the arts and are working to do what they can.
They developed the program which embraces restorative justice at the Luther Luckett Correctional Facility with the intention of allowing "the adult prison population an opportunity to examine relevant personal and social issues within the structure of an aesthetic experience". They produce Shakespeare with the inmates and the opportunities that available to the inmates are invaluable -- click here to read more specifics.
With the return of inmates into society being at about 90% the chance to grow, learn and create something they are proud of is something that I believe is incredibly important.
I am a huge fan of this program for a few reasons....
First, I am a big fan of Curt Tofteland's. Why? Well, let's just say that I had a really great audition for him once at SETC's. Not so great that I was whisked away to KY Shakes but one that occurred right after an intense year at Warehouse Theatre under Jack Young....and one in which I proved to myself that the year was a success. Meaning...Curt conducts a tough audition - as it should be - and where I was not ready for that kind of experience a year before I got through it and was proud of what I did. And based on that audition alone I knew that Curt was someone that I hoped to work with some day. Beyond that I ended up running into him at Shakespeare conferences when I was at the American Shakespeare Center and since then have been following the work he did (and still does) with SBB.
Second, although I do not condone or excuse any reason as to why someone is in jail...I do believe that they did not get their all on their own. And therefore cannot come back all on their own. I believe that we as a community have a responsibility to not just throw away the key and that arts has the power to reach someone and allow them to explore and grow in ways that are frankly impossible otherwise. There is something about creativity that allows you to see beyond your day to day, your circumstances, the box you are in and reach beyond to live in a different place.
And there is something to the phrase...if you can dream it, you can be it.
If someone truly wants to be adjust their behavior and change their life, they can...and if the arts can help then by golly let's make is accessible.
So, my hat is off to Shakespeare Behind Bars. Do yourself a favor..check out their website - http://www.kyshakes.org/SBB/ ; watch the documentary (Netflix, You Tube, etc); Become a fan on Facebook and last but certainly not least, if you can donate to help them keep the program going. They are about half way through their campaign and as with any non-profit arts company: ANY little bit helps.
