The men also performed sonnets. Marin Bikes | San Quentin 1 San Quentin 1 Suspension: SR Suntour XCM32 Boost Wheel Size : 27.5" Frame: Aluminum Size Range: S, M, L, XL ? Maverick: Yes, thats where I was introduced to Shakespeare other than Romeo and Juliet on TV, with Leonardo DiCaprio. During the final few months, they are joined by a handful of outside actors. The conversation progressed with more ideas about how this work could help men in prison and others. As a similarly spiritual person, I want you to know Im praying for you. Though busy with an ongoing search for regular employment and a firm foundation for his life outside of prison, Maverick was kind enough to offer his time to Marin Shakespeare for an interview. Maverick: One show, in particularly, is still near and dear to my heart: The Tempest, in 2016. TH: Thats a lot of moving around. For Steve Beecroft, it was on a stroll in Mill Valley's Old Mill Park when he stumbled upon the auditions . On this first day, in addition to talking about what sort of performance we wanted to work towards, we also talked about how we could improve the Shakespeare group. Because of the general level of stress and unhappiness in prisons, staff at prisons have higher rates of suicide, divorce, depression, anxiety, drug use, and early death. Also, the men have a lot they want to say. I shared that after the murder of George Floyd, theatres had been challenged by We See You White American Theatre and others to look at our practices in order to root out inequities in the theatre field. One suggestion was to talk about the specific ways in which our curriculum allows participants to gain the self-awareness the parole board is looking for. The prison staffs support of the program has been essential to its success. The men told me that the Alarm on Wednesday had been because of a drug overdose, and the medics saved the mans life. So, by the grace of God, I didnt have to go to the board more than the one time. Some men have jobs that overlap with a portion of the class time, so they cannot be assigned to the class. May of 1996, to be exact. This May, San Quentin and. Many prisons are built in areas of toxicity where the water quality tests as unsafe. Many men were moved around a lot during the pandemic. I started telling him You need to be Caesar. Thanks for offering your time today to talk. Im just very thankful. Today JR spoke twice for an extended period of time. To make a donation in support of Shakespeare for Social Justice, click here, Marin Shakespeare Company 415.499.4488 Forest Meadows Amphitheatre 890 Belle Ave. San Rafael, CA, 94901, Videos, Creative Writing, Success Stories. Maverick: Oh, I have never had so many free people come up after and tell me, Thank you for this I needed this right now! They were all looking for an outlet to celebrate Princes life; it it made me feel like I did something. LeMar Maverick Harrison: You are welcome Im happy to. TH: But, talk about pressure, though! Another person spoke about how the government pays some farmers to throw food away. Most of the lost revenue will be backfilled with tax proceeds from Measure A, a quarter-cent sales tax that generates about $16 million annually to help fund county parks and open space, Marin . Tue 22 Jun, 2021 Returning to San Quentin Post-Pandemic - June 18 (day three) Written by Lesley Currier Published in Social Justice / Prison Programs by Lesley Schisgall Currier Today was the first day back for the Friday Shakespeare group. We couldnt hug, although we wanted to very much. But in Caesar, I played Marc Antony. So we started creating monthly packets that asked the actors to explore themes through creative writing and drawing. When the pandemic hit, Mezas artistry was put on hold. I was part of a group called The Richmond Project Im from Richmond and the Mayor used to come in because, at the time, Richmond was at war with itself. I reminded the men that their lived experience, and the time the they have put into self-reflection and self-healing is incredibly valuable, and that the world needs them. Its a people first approach. Spring '17 SL Course Spotlight: Shakespeare and Social Justice Goes to San Quentin For the first time, Dominican is partnering with the Marin Shakespeare Company in their mission to bring the life-affirming practices of theater to prison. Another man shared a similar story before his first Shakespeare class he smoked a huge doobie but he soon realized that to give Shakespeare his all, he needed to stop taking drugs. Another man, Warren, thanked him for sharing that he remembered having the same feelings when he first came to San Quentin, and appreciated being reminded of the privileges they had by being at the prison with the most programming in the state. We treat people as they show up in the moment, and dont define them by the worst thing they ever did in their lives. I delved deep, and studied the back story of Marc Antony and Caesars relationship. The students leave saying things like that was the most impactful three hours of my life and some have changed their college majors and career paths. I went crazy for Shakespeare from that point on and I went all in on that show, coordinating dances and fight scenes, working with a fellow inmate to play the show live; I actually paid another inmate in PIA thats the Prison Industry Authority to make me a roman uniform because they had that great, maroon-colored vinyl. To make a donation in support of Shakespeare at San Quentin,click here, Marin Shakespeare Company 415.499.4488 Forest Meadows Amphitheatre 890 Belle Ave. San Rafael, CA, 94901, Videos, Creative Writing, Success Stories. Especially at the age of 19. Rauch, an actor who has been in our groups for many years, has often exhibited mental stress due to intense traumas suffered as a child in the foster system. TH: Well, you sound open to all possibilities and willing to do whatever works, at the moment. The audience participation idea sparked a lot of interest. But the Shakespeare program transcends racial lines and a whole plethora of things that are not acceptable in the prison culture. ), Maverick: Well its bittersweet, really. I was sentenced to 25 years to life. We were inspired by the work of Curt Tofteland, whose program was documented in the film "Shakespeare Behind Bars". He was granted parole in July of 2018, after serving 22 years of a 25-to-Life sentence. . I cant believe you got him up on your shoulder and out of there youre the man! And theyre hugging me and stuff and this is not acceptable, for them! If I had never stepped into that first class in San Quentin with Marin Shakespeare Company, I would not have been able to reveal my humanity, said Meza. Shakespeare in Prison Healed people heal people. This interview was conducted on Friday, October 5, 2018. High Desert State Prison, Susanville Starting in 2017, we offer two Shakespeare groups on D-Yard, Level IV (maximum security). We talk about our similarities and differences. One class, one of the Teaching Artists engaged him in a conversation that killed his buzz. But after that, he stopped getting high before class, and now he said he is ready to participate fully, and wants to be clear-headed to do that. But, yeah, I had 25 years to Life, so I started off with a lot of points. 3:00 came way too soon. Today, it is supposed to ensure the staff knows where people are at all times. And I just hope that Im able to weather this storm, like I did prison because I just want to I just want to be able to ummm make a difference, thats all, (It has become difficult for Maverick to get the words across. In 2003, Marin Shakespeare Company started Shakespeare at San Quentin. Marin history: San Quentin's shady past The R for Rehabilitation was added less than ten years ago. TH: So it sounds like your idea for that scene, and your follow through on it, resonates with a lot of people. We have a media lab at San Quentin and we do Documentaries, PSAs, and all kind of other stuff. Eventually, we sat in a circle and after sharing some logistical information, we started with the simplest of check-ins. Dominican Students Reflect on Visiting San Quentin - Marin Shakespeare In 2006, they presented a workshop production of Macbeth in the Art Room for an invited audience of about 30 people. San Quentin prisoners steal show with Shakespeare - SFGATE All the World's a Stage -- Even San Quentin | RealClearPolitics We included a lot of reflection questions and lots of ideas for self-care: breathing, stretching, meditation, and more. Anything in the helping field would be great. Because the male brain isnt even fully developed until 24. To make a request to attend a Shakespeare in Prison performance, click here. Fortunately, Carlos has now survived incarceration and is working in construction while acting part-time with Marin Shakespeare Company, and working for prison reform. Marin Shakespeare Company spent a lot of time self-reflecting about all of the work we do, and how we can do better. Actors started calling out stop, suggesting a change, and stepping into the scene. of. Some people who work at prisons treat people who are incarcerated in ways that add unnecessarily to the punishment of prison. Now, Caesar was being played by an ex-skinhead/Nazi. We were inspired by the work of Curt Tofteland, whose program was documented in the film Shakespeare Behind Bars. It was chilling seeing people act out the despair, fear, and hopelessness that was shared, and uplifting to see actors performing silver linings, particularly one older actor with a cane who danced a jig for several minutes. Maverick: Yes sir. On the long walk up to the entrance, I talk to the students about mass incarceration in the United States. The original caretakers of this land are the Coast Miwok people. Since 2011, these outside actors have included students training for a Masters degree in Drama Therapy. by Lesley Schisgall Currier June 16, 2021 See below for additional installments! The men improvised a scene. Maverick: Absolutely. Our H-unit Acting Class gives men on H unit an opportunity to explore their self-expression, creativity, and teamwork. So Tina and I parked in the almost empty Visitor parking lot, showed our brown cards, went through the Covid checkpoint, and entered through the familiar but somehow different sallyport into the upper yard, which was unusually empty. TH: And you were involved in a lot of artistic work, including podcasts and music at San Quentin, right? They reminded me that Friday is canteen day, the one day of the week men have an opportunity to stand in line and spend their own money to purchase extras like food and hygiene items. Marin Bikes | San Quentin They gave me a family and a home inside prison to escape the dark negative landscape that I was trapped in. I have heard this confirmed by many people who are incarcerated, as well as staff who work at prisons. The Juvenile Lifer Bill changed the game dramatically for people who were in my position people who went to jail at an early age, when they were teenagers and because of science and the way that society has shifted now, the lawmakers changed the law. . We did know this and explained why we have made our policy that Marin Shakespeare Company will write one letter per year. The actors spoke about how much they loved the workshops we had done pre-covid with groups of students on Sunday mornings. The 55,000 people in the U.S. sentenced to Life Without Parole (LWOPs), will never have the opportunity to go before a parole board. Did we want to do something like a Parallel Play, a performance of original stories, music, and dance? Maverick: Well, my main thought is Im just thankful. Today, the U.S. incarcerates almost 2.2 million people, while Scandinavia incarcerates around 300,000. Maverick: Well, in that, Trevor, theres something you should know about me: I have a belief that there is freedom in transparency. Chris wants to create a corporate training program, that includes golf in the afternoon. I rapped the story, and the other actors performed the action. Bard behind bars: Prison inmates perform 'Macbeth' - Daily Republic O.H. At that point, Meza had already been paroled and he connected with Marin Shakespeare on the outside, as a member of their Returned Citizens Theater Troupe. Marin Shakespeare Company PLAYING FOR GOOD Forest Meadows Amphitheatre, Dominican University of California - 514 Fourth Street, San Rafael. Meza felt pain in his back and neck, his temperature and blood pressure were at very high levels, and he felt he was about to die, according to KQED. People with determinate sentences are released at a specific time, which can be reduced by things like participating in programs like ours. Now, part of that was due to a law being changed and the narrative of prisoners and what a prisoner is. I know you met my boss, Lesley, and some of the other MSC folks through the plays at San Quentin is that right? Marin Shakespeare's 'Losdini' rises again - San Quentin News Funding supports Shakespeare at San Quentin, as well as Shakespeare at Solano Prison. The next government official asked how they could compromise. Returning to San Quentin Post-Pandemic - June 18 (day three) One man asked if we could build a residence for actors getting out of prison. I dont believe that Americans have suddenly become way more criminal in the past 40 years; rather it is our criminally unjust policies that have led to what I consider the national shame of mass incarceration. And, you know, there arent too many people trying to hire an ex-con, let alone a felon, uh, uh, someone who committed murder, and Im Im drowning. It was emotionally difficult listening to good friends dying. We started throwing around ideas for our upcoming performance. The scene involved one man who had just witnessed an elderly Asian person being beat up, and another man confronting the first man about why he did not intervene. Were all people with similar fears and challenges, trying to live our best lives. The stories inspired by Hamlet touch on revenge, suicide, forgiveness for murder, abandonment by mothers, and conscience among other themes. Some of the men talked about how if they say what they really want to, they will be in danger of being transferred to another prison as a punishment. For one, its my stage name. Shakespeare provides the perfect inspiration for looking deeply at the complexities of human motivation and the aspiration for understanding and forgiveness. Tall wanted to make sure we knew that any number of people can write Support Letters. To us, this seemed miraculous. Stories from San Quentin, the Parallel Plays written by the men, allow them to connect the themes of Shakespeares plays with their own lives. Eric Abercrombie, who they all know, is mentoring youth in writing and recording original music as part of our theatres program for system-impacted youth at Marins Community School. And they gave me hope that I was going to be home one day, and that I would one day be on the stage at Marin Shakes. So I told the men how great it would be for Marin Shakespeare Company to facilitate their sharing their wisdom with the world when they leave prison. The men rehearse each Shakespeare play for about 8 months. But, two: Ive learned that we live up to the names we have the name informs who you are. It was the first time I ever learned the gravity and the true impact of Shakespeare. Old Folsom State Prison, Folsom Starting in 2017, we offer a Shakespeare program for Level II and III inmates at this iconic California State Prison. We spent the pandemic creating "alternative programming" for the 14 California state prisons, Alameda Juvenile Hall, and Marin's Community School where we work Hurt people hurt people. We also hired Returned Artists to participate in trainings for our Teaching Artists who work in prisons, and to help put together a resource of contemporary monologues we could take inside. Another talked about how spreading plastic on a field, as farmers in Israel have done, can help make a little water go a longer way because there is far less evaporation. Some of the men seemed just as we remembered them. The audiences would love it. We read some Shakespeare. TH: By the way I didnt want to stop you, mid-story, because you just shared so many details I wasnt aware of, but was at that show, and . They still show up and participate, even though they are not eligible for RAC credits. Im a very spiritual person Im not religious; I dont believe in religion. Most, but not all, of the men in this group are military Veterans. We now have two Shakespeare groups, each of which performs an annual performance of a Shakespeare play. I suggested Rauch might teach a Drama Therapy class for youth in foster care; he didnt know if he would be able to do that but when I suggested he co-teach with one of the Drama Therapists who facilitate our classes at San Quentin, I think I actually saw his eyes become a little starry, as he imagined a future for himself he had never envisioned before. Maverick: One of the first things I did was a Parallel Play. TH: Well, Maverick, I really, really appreciate your time, and also your willingness to go to some of these very difficult places and revisit these things. In 2013, inmates at San Quentin prison rehearsed and performed the playTHE MERCHANT OF VENICE, directed by Lesley Currier and Suraya Keating of Marin Shakespeare Company.Simultaneously, the men created a Parallel Play their own autobiographical stories, inspired by the themes inTHE MERCHANT OF VENICE, told through theatre, and directed by Suraya Keating. Is that common, to move around that much? By Lesley Schisgall Currier Today was our first day back with the Acting for Veterans group. The geography of San Quentin allows for individual liberties as well. THERE'S A SCENE in Shakespeare's "The Merchant of Venice" where Shylock argues that people share the similarity of being human, and thus should be treated with respect despi At Alameda Juvenile Hall, Returned Artists Tony Cyprien and Dameion Brown were able to lead a weekly class by zoom. History Watch is written by Scott Fletcher, a volunteer at the Marin History Museum, marinhistory.org. San Quentin men get a lot of positive benefits from Marin Shakeapeares visits and training, said Lesley Currier, its managing director. At first, we were told we could only send in videos, so we hired some professional actors including six actors who have survived incarceration to create a series of Romeo and Juliet videos, a reading of the play with commentary and reflection questions. TH: Thanks so much for your time, Maverick. Marin Shakespeare Company 415.499.4488 Forest Meadows Amphitheatre 890 Belle Ave. San Rafael, CA, 94901, Videos, Creative Writing, Success Stories. Videos, Creative Writing, Success Stories - Marin Shakespeare Company We then did a Playback exercise where each person shared one challenge and one silver lining of Covid, while others in the group acted out the shares, mirroring back to the speakers their own lives. There are other obstacles to be overcome, such as prison-wide lock-downs, men transferred to other institutions, and delays due to a variety of security situations. Below that, is H-unit, with six housing units and its own dining hall and other facilities. Arts Therapy Alum: Shakespeare at San Quentin | CIIS I began to believe that acting might be in my future because Ive wanted to be an actor since I was a kid. Some of us have grown up in relatively safe neighborhoods with parents who were able to provide for our basic needs and give us a decent education. He had racial slurs tattooed all over his body he had swastikas he was the epitome of hatred. We will make this part of our practice moving forward, and I think audience members will enjoy writing reviews and the actors will be excited to read them. A little less harsh, but its still up there. Marin Shakespeare Company is Marin's professional Shakespeare theatre, offering mainstage productions at the Forest Meadows Amphitheatre on the campus of Dominican University in San. We have been grateful to the support of the California Arts Council, William James Association, Cal Humanities, the Rosenberger Family Fund, and Santa Clara University for their support. The Marin Independent Journal also published an article titled, " San Quentin prisoners perform Shakespeare play about mercy, revenge," about the piece, highlighting some of the actors' personal stories, stressing their inherent humanity, and ultimately revealing how essential this creative outlet is for many of them. Although to get to the area where the four chapels are requires showing an I.D. We are hoping to support John Windham, who they know, in mentoring young men released from O.H. Infectious disease is an ongoing concern at San Quentin. But SOMS doesnt deter men at San Quentin from joining groups the computer system wont assign them to. How are you and how have you been?. I actually shot someone and took their life. In a matter of two weeks, we were now locked in a cell again, unable to move, scared, frightened, said Meza. If you would like to use these playlets in performance, please contact Lesley Currier at management@marinshakespeare.orgWe hope you find this material useful, and we welcome your feedback and comments. TH: Ok I appreciate that. San Quentin is the oldest California State Prison and sits on three different levels: highest is the area with the chapels, Art Room, main dining hall, housing units including Death Row, and administrative offices. And/or we could do an execise like this with audience participation as part of the production. TH: Got it. They are moving testaments to power of Shakespeares inspiration. He was 6-foot-four, 280 pounds of purebred peck well, its a bad word he has tattooed on his neck. Marin Shakespeare Location PO Box 4053, San Rafael, California, 94913, United States Description Read More Industry Charitable Organizations & Foundations Organizations Discover more about Marin Shakespeare Robert Currier Work Experience and Education According to ZoomInfo records, Robert Currier's professional experience began in 1982. Marin Shakespeare Company has been able to create a rich archive of videos of prison performances including Shakespeare Plays, Veterans Plays, and Autobiographical Story-telling. For the past few years, in addition to performing a Shakespeare play, the men have written and performed autobiographical stories inspired by the themes in the plays. San Quentin also publishes the only prison newspaper; the media center is a large trailer at the far corner of the main yard where staff doesnt patrol often; it is an oasis for many men to pursue intellectual freedom. To find out about how to train to work with our programs, click here. There are many terrible facts and figures about mass incarceration. They learn to work together as a team, resolve problems creatively, express emotions, practice empathy and compassion, set goals, understand themselves and others more deeply, and achieve something which can make them and their families proud. I was addicted to drugs, and I just didnt believe that change was possible. TH: Well, there is a lot in that story that merits being proud about, and a couple things that you just mentioned are actually pretty big moments, on their own. Level 3 is a little less, uhh, whats the word? The men also write and perform autobiographical theatre pieces inspired by themes from Shakespeare, a Parallel Play which we call Stories from San Quentin. Since 2014, we have also worked with incarcerated Veterans each year to create an hour-long play about issues of importance to them, in partnership with Veterans Healing Veterans from the Inside Out. Even though people who are incarcerated in California are paid only pennies per hour for the work they do, spending money on canteen can have a huge impact on a persons quality of life. Marin Shakespeare Company director Suraya Keating called the cast together for a pre-show pep talk and did her best to ease the actors' nerves. Shakespeare at San Quentin In the News - Marin Shakespeare Company We believe that language carries a low of power, and people first language mirrors the people first approach that we take into prisons. If you have so many points I think 45 or above youre a Level 4; if you have between a certain number below that, youre level 3, and I think its 19 and below is Level 2, and I dont even know Level 1 because lifers arent eligible to go to Level 1. Typically, we are able to schedule no more than a couple rehearsals in the Protestant Chapel prior to the one public performance. We were able to make it ours, setting it to familiar music and rhythms. This is a phenomenon specific to San Quentin. What the men wanted to talk about, however, was how we can support their release from prison. As it turns out, almost all of the men in this group are either in one or the other classes this week, or turned up for them anyway. Marin Shakespeare Company is Marin's professional Shakespeare theatre, offering mainstage productions at the Forest Meadows Amphitheatre on the campus of Dominican University in San Rafael and year-round educational programs for youth through in-schools partnerships, summer camps, and the unique Teen Touring Company which gives teenagers . Sometimes they just move you because theyre changing the levels. And at O. H. Close Youth Correctional Facility, Dameion and I led a weekly class that resulted in a performance of Langston Hughes poems, as well as a visit and information-filled conversation with members of the Returned Citizens Theatre Troupe, actors who have survived incarceration who tell stories of importance through theatre. These actors had a wealth of advice and information to share with the young men, particularly John Windham, who spent part of his youth at O. H. Close. Now, on the inside, I was the facilitator for a lot of self-help groups so anything in wellness or working with the kids cause thats really my wheelhouse, you know: Trying to allow other people to learn from my mistakes. TH: And, do you mind do you mind sharing what it was you went away for? Chuckawalla Valley State Prison, Blythe Starting in 2019, we offer a Shakespeare program for this prison in Southern California, near the Arizona border. Acting, performing doing these things were a release, a very lethargic process of getting stuff out that we needed to and everything. In 2007, Jonathan left Marin and Suraya Keating became the lead teacher. Mule Creek State Prison, Ione Starting in 2018, we offer a Shakespeare program B and D yards. To make a donation in support of Shakespeare at San Quentin,click here, Marin Shakespeare Company 415.499.4488 Forest Meadows Amphitheatre 890 Belle Ave. San Rafael, CA, 94901, Videos, Creative Writing, Success Stories. I wish Id been there. Our prisons are called the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. This was his first time in Shakespeare, and he was saying No, no, I just want a side part. But we kept asking and eventually convinced him to take the part. They came to the conclusion that, if your brain isnt fully developed, then how can you make a fully developed decision in a strenuous situation like I like the ones that a lot of us find ourselves in? In that, I started working with the mayor of Richmond at the time. San Quentin 1 Wheel Size : 27.5", Hardtail | Aluminum $999.00 Shop Now Technology SERIES 3 AND 2 ALUMINUM FRAMES The San Quentin 1 features a Series 2 aluminum frame, with tapered head tubes, 3D forged drop outs, IS brake mounts, and semi-internal cable routing. An Evaluation of the Arts-in-Corrections Program of the California Department of Corrections. 2014 Shakespeare at San Quentins The Merry Wives of Windsor, 2013 Shakespeare at San Quentins The Merchant of Venice, Stories from San Quentin 2013 Original autobiographical stories inspired by The Merchant of Venice, Stories from San Quentin 2013 Individudal Videos andScripts, 2012 Shakespeare at San Quentins Hamlet Intro to Hamlet Post-show Q & A Hamlet, Stories from San Quentin, 2012 Original Autobiographical Stories inspired by Hamlet Video and Scripts., Shakespeare in Blue a 36-minute documentary film by David White, Prison Bridges a 12 minute video about Shakespeare at San Quentin and the healing power of arts in corrections, by David White, Shakespeare at San Quentins Twelfth Night Intro to Twelfth Night Post-Show Q&A Twelfth Night, 2010 Shakespeare at San Quentins Romeo and Juliet Intro Romeo and Juliet, 2009 Shakespeare at San Quentins A Midsummer Nights Dream Intro to Midsummer Nights Dream Post-Show Q&A Midsummer Nights Dream, 2008 Shakespeare at San Quentins Much Ado About Nothing Intro to Much Ado About Nothing Post-Show Q&A Much Ado About Nothing, To make a donation in support of Shakespeare at San Quentin,click here, Marin Shakespeare Company 415.499.4488 Forest Meadows Amphitheatre 890 Belle Ave. San Rafael, CA, 94901, Videos, Creative Writing, Success Stories.
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