COMING SOON: Chicago Shakespeare Theater Presents "Shakespeare in the Criminal Justice System"

CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATER

Shakespeare in the Criminal Justice System

September 24, 2016 at 11:00 am

"You can let go of so much that you keep bottled up in side because you can find creative ways of expressing it."
—Inmate and workshop participant

Across the world, Shakespeare offers individuals who are incarcerated much-needed opportunities for reflection and self-expression, emotional support and the opportunity to cultivate self-esteem and communication skills. This panel of theatre professionals moderated by Lisa Wagner Carollo, Artistic Director of Still Point Theatre Collective, will share stories from their work collaborating with inmates on Shakespeare-focused programming in prison communities. 
The panel will feature:

• Itaria Marta, ensemble member of Foro Shakespeare, one of Mexico City’s most inventive theater companies world-reknowned for its social justice work and inventive spirit
• Kate Powers, Shakespeare director and a facilitator with Rehabilitation Through The Arts at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, NY
• Curt Tofteland, founder and producing director of Shakespeare Behind Bars, the oldest program of its kind in North America, serving incarcerated adults and youth using exclusively the work of Shakespeare
• Agnes Wilcox, artistic director emerita of Prison Performing Arts, a 22-year old multi-disciplinary literacy and performing arts program serving incarcerated adults and young people throughout St. Louis

"Brave in a New World"

The Judy Dworin Performance Project will present excerpts of their upcoming premiere of “Brave in a New World” at 5 p.m. Saturday at the La Grua Center in Stonington, CT. A donation of $5 is suggested.

“Brave in a New World” is about the experiences of incarceration and the challenges of coming home from prison. It includes dance, narrative and song. The piece conjures up images of confinement and separation and the strength and courage of children affected by incarceration and the ones who have served their time. The work features women who have re-entered society from York Correctional Institution with the professional ensemble of the Judy Dworin Performance Project and the voices of children who have parents in prison.

La Grua Center is at 32 Water St., Stonington, CT and can be reached at (860) 535-2300.