Shakespeare Behind Bars

It is with great anticipation that I look forward to next week. Shakespeare Behind Bars, a 17 year old Kentucky organization, composed of inmates of Luther Lucket Correctional Complex in LaGrange, KY, is presenting Romeo and Juliet.

Although a few of our sisters had attended earlier productions, last year’s dramatization of The Merchant in Venice was my first experience of SBB and one I won’t forget. It was as though I had returned to the Shakespearean Era1! I had read or seen many of the bard’s plays but had never seen one with all roles assumed by men as was the case in Shakespeare’s time. As the play progressed, the men became real persons whatever the name, Portia, Jessica—all were excellent in a wonderful performance.

After the play those involved in production came before a most appreciative audience to answer questions of all kinds. Their honesty, humility, camaraderie and concern for one another were evident in their attitude and remarks. It was a lesson in human rehabilitation to everyone. Statistics indicate that Shakespeare Behind Bars has been a blessing to participants and to others as recidivism rate are 67% nationally, 29.5% in Kentucky and 5.4% for those in SBB. Other penal institutions have inquired and perhaps have initiated programs of their own.

It is obvious that I am most anxious to return to LaGrange for Romeo and Juliet. Will the cast be the men we met last year as well as new actors. No matter, it will be another unique and inspirational experience.  Sr. Andrea Collopy, OSB