I would like to post here a comment I posted on my Facebook page to introduce the article:
For the most part, I have avoided using men's names in this article, for two reasons. First, I believe I have used comments made in shareable contexts, not in contexts calling for confidences. In other words, the comments were intended to be known by others. However, the men themselves, the commenters, do not have a "public" to which they are answerable. Some of the people I have mentioned, sometimes by character names, are now out of custody and are living good, and private, lives. I do not want to out anyone as a formerly incarcerated person, to call attention to their pasts.
Secondly, states have various victim notification requirements. I want to avoid crossing those requirements, especially since I am working on returning to volunteering in prisons.
Where I have used a name, his name has been publicly associated with his comments. This is also true of the use of the picture accompanying the article, which has been used with permission.
To the men whom I've worked with who are seeing this in freedom: It has always been my privilege--one of the fullest privileges of my life--to have worked with you and to have gotten to know you. If you recognize yourself in this essay, if you wish to be known, you may introduce yourself. Otherwise, though, know that I remain ever grateful to you.
I really enjoyed learning about Shakespeare Behind Bars; thank you! I took a Pen Project Prison Teaching course in grad school in which we would give incarcerated men feedback on their writing, especially poetry, and I found the whole experience very meaningful. I’m so glad to know there are opportunities like SBB available for incarcerated men to participate in the arts.
My husband volunteered for years at Luther Luckett so we got to see several performances by Shakespeare Behind Bars. We enjoyed the performances and the round table discussions afterward when the audience was able to ask the men questions. Very enlightening!
I believe the upcoming performance is during the same week as the Calvin Faith and Writing Conference. I am choosing the SBB play, but if you want to know when an SBB play is upcoming, they have a Facebook page with announcements.
Sicinius began incarceration as a young man. While inside, he participated in a number of programs: Shakespeare, guitar lessons, writing courses, and church services. He has completed his incarceration, has a job, has gotten married, and they are expecting their first child. Last November I visited him and Coriolanus at the church they regularly attend near Indianapolis. He's a great person to know.
I would like to post here a comment I posted on my Facebook page to introduce the article:
For the most part, I have avoided using men's names in this article, for two reasons. First, I believe I have used comments made in shareable contexts, not in contexts calling for confidences. In other words, the comments were intended to be known by others. However, the men themselves, the commenters, do not have a "public" to which they are answerable. Some of the people I have mentioned, sometimes by character names, are now out of custody and are living good, and private, lives. I do not want to out anyone as a formerly incarcerated person, to call attention to their pasts.
Secondly, states have various victim notification requirements. I want to avoid crossing those requirements, especially since I am working on returning to volunteering in prisons.
Where I have used a name, his name has been publicly associated with his comments. This is also true of the use of the picture accompanying the article, which has been used with permission.
To the men whom I've worked with who are seeing this in freedom: It has always been my privilege--one of the fullest privileges of my life--to have worked with you and to have gotten to know you. If you recognize yourself in this essay, if you wish to be known, you may introduce yourself. Otherwise, though, know that I remain ever grateful to you.
Thanks for adding this context about how you write about your experiences while respecting the privacy of the men. So important.
I really enjoyed learning about Shakespeare Behind Bars; thank you! I took a Pen Project Prison Teaching course in grad school in which we would give incarcerated men feedback on their writing, especially poetry, and I found the whole experience very meaningful. I’m so glad to know there are opportunities like SBB available for incarcerated men to participate in the arts.
Oh wow! I have never heard of a program like that. I’m so intrigued. How meaningful for everyone!
My husband volunteered for years at Luther Luckett so we got to see several performances by Shakespeare Behind Bars. We enjoyed the performances and the round table discussions afterward when the audience was able to ask the men questions. Very enlightening!
What a small world! And what a neat thing to see. I’ve never had that opportunity.
I believe the upcoming performance is during the same week as the Calvin Faith and Writing Conference. I am choosing the SBB play, but if you want to know when an SBB play is upcoming, they have a Facebook page with announcements.
Perhaps we were at the same performances. I am glad that you had the opportunity to attend.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Jack. The two men's comments at the end were so moving. Art has such power to heal.
Sicinius began incarceration as a young man. While inside, he participated in a number of programs: Shakespeare, guitar lessons, writing courses, and church services. He has completed his incarceration, has a job, has gotten married, and they are expecting their first child. Last November I visited him and Coriolanus at the church they regularly attend near Indianapolis. He's a great person to know.
Thanks for sharing these updates. And the entire essay, of course!
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you for sharing.
Just beautiful. Thank you.
This is an incredible thing that you have done and I also glad you shared it with us
Powerful
Thanks for reading, as always, Steve!
Yes!