Prisoners take stage for Actors’ Gang Prison Project
It’s theater behind bars, starring real life prisoners at the California Rehabilitation Center in Norco. It’s called the Actors’ Gang Prison Project, a 9-week workshop created to unlock inmate potential in several California prisons.
Using theatrical tools, they learn to better manage their own emotions, joy, anger, sadness and fear.
Sabra Williams and Academy Award winner, Tim Robbins, started the program in 2006. They witnessed the overcrowding in state prisons and the negative impact offenders and re-offenders have on the community. Since then, with help from private and now state funding, more than 500 inmates of all races and prison sentences have participated.
Professional actors help facilitate the program and aim at preparing inmates to make better choices during their time in prison and when they re-enter society.
“We work with what’s considered the worst of the worst to people who really want to change their lives,” said Williams.
The program’s helped Christopher Bisbano, start his own company, the Convicted Theater House.
“I’ve been in prison for about 17 years. It’s allowed me to let me know my self-worth is still in tact,” said Bisbano. “It takes you out of prison and still lets you know you’re a human.”
For four hours, with no breaks or scipts, they tell stories to audiences such as state leaders, donors and their fellow inmates.
They self-expression through writing and acting, a sense of freedom, lots of practice and team work.
“I feel commitment. I feel unity between us,” said And find out who they are. Being able to do that means a lot,” said Darreus Dale.
“If you came to see the work. It’s hard work, physically, emotionally,” said Williams.
Behind the makeup, they learn to like who they see in the mirror. They get inspired to turn their lives around and get back into society.
“I’ve walked away with a new focus to continue this, even when I parole,” said DiMarino. “I’m hoping once I clear my parole. I could teach this program for them.”
