The opening sequence presents a group of actors on stage receiving applause, afterwards they change their costumes for green uniforms and are taken back to Sing Sing  Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York, where they are incarcerated.

For this group of prisoners, playing Shakespeare is usual; Midsummer Night´s Dream, Hamlet, and King Lear have been included in their field.  They are a brotherhood with a majority of African Americans.

The film introduces several of the inmates with slight allusions to their past and the reason they are caged; among them are murderers,  gangsters, several with weapon and drug-related charges… the worst in society, some may say.  Although flawed, they are all human beings,  and the lack of freedom allows them to be vulnerable and become actors in a life-changing turn.

Divine G (Oscar Nominee Colman Domingo), imprisoned for a crime he didmt commit, is the founder of the theatre group,  among his skills are legal ones, and he finds purpose acting and helping   Divine Eye (Clarence Maclin ) and other incarcerated men to go out of prison or remain there and grow up as humans through drama or  comedy. A special mention to instructor Brent ( Paul Raci )  and to Miguelito / Mike Mike ( Sean San José )  the movie rests on the shoulders of these four characters.

Based on true facts, the film´s cast, with the exception of a few professional actors, is made up  entirely of formely incarcerated men, each providing depth and conviction,  particularly Mosi Eagle and Sean Johnson. Among  the production team writers John Whitfield and  Oscar Nominee Clarence Maclin share their stories.    

Thought- provoking and sincere fictional drama,  the movie states anger is the easiest thing to play, and there is drama everyday…  that is the reason why a comedy would be appreciated for the new production the group is undertaking.  Let it be welcome by all involved, actors and public.

Directed by Greg Kwedar, film is dedicated to the RTA members. (  You may find out on the Rehabilitation Throug Arts program here) .