“A compelling study of art as a source of transcendence.” - Variety
Take Shakespeare's final play The Tempest - that fittingly deals with themes of forgiveness and redemption - and bring it into prison, the ultimate venue of confinement. The result is an extraordinary story about the creative process and the power of art to heal and redeem.
In Hank Rogerson's observational work, we embark on a 12-month journey with the Shakespeare Behind Bars theatre troupe. The inmates cast themselves according to their lives and in relation to the heinous acts for which they were convicted, using the search within character as a mirror for confronting their personal demons.
Rather than glorify the prisoners or excuse their crimes, the film takes a compassionate look at these men as human beings, not just felons. They emerge from the play enriched, enlightened and awakened to possibility.
Screened at this year's Sundance Film Festival.