David Schiltz Personal stories, comedians, singers and dancer entertained an audience made up of about 300 incarcerated men and 40 local volunteers late last December at the Prison University Project (PUP) annual open mic. San Quentin State Prison’s Christmas decorations were still on display in the Protestant Chapel as more than two dozen inmates, who attend PUP classes, entertained the audience that included many of their teachers. Jonathan Chiu (San Quentin News staffer) began the show with a standup monologue that about … [Read more...] about Prison University Project celebrates the year with Open Mic
Arts
SQ Shakespeare troupe performs skits about trauma and healing
The cast of the SQ’s Shakespeare Parallel Play Nine original skits put modern personal trauma and healing on full display this past October. The audience discovers how Shakespeare’s Comedy of Errors had inspired a troupe of actors to present original works of how trauma is passed down across generations until a choice is made to heal. The troupe used intimate personal skits to express complex emotions arising from bullying, death, jealousy, revenge, betrayal, cancer, to loss of a parent. People in the audience participating in a … [Read more...] about SQ Shakespeare troupe performs skits about trauma and healing
500 POUNDS OF HAPPINESS
Most people consider happiness to be a feeling, without weight or substance. I know different. I witnessed the creation of 500 pounds of happiness before my very eyes at San Quentin State Prison in 2013. It’s not easy to make happiness; nor can you buy it. In fact, it is so rare that a slight dusting of it engenders a wondrous sense of well-being. That’s why it is usually perceived as only a feeling, not something tangible. I know the truth. Happiness is real. It has substance and weight. The happiness I’m taking about did … [Read more...] about 500 POUNDS OF HAPPINESS
Veterans Healing Veterans organizes Shakespeare plays
A group of San Quentin veterans joined with Shakespearean actors on Nov. 29 to portray the experience of service and sacrifice. Veterans Healing Veterans actors and the audience warming up before the play A banner greeted the audience VETERANS HEALING VETERANS FROM THE INSIDE OUT (VHV-FTIO), a group with a mission to represent the imprint each generation of veterans leaves on the next. Lesley Currier directed the performance, a joint enterprise between VHV and the Marin Shakespeare Company (MSC). “Taking that leap of faith with us and … [Read more...] about Veterans Healing Veterans organizes Shakespeare plays
Developing a relationship from 40 years of letter writing
Letter-writing has not lost its appeal, at least not for Carol Horan, who values having something handwritten for its “lasting quality.” She has been a pen pal to prisoners for more than 40 years. Horan first wrote a man name Jeff Dicks, who later died in prison of a massive heart attack after 17 years on Death Row, according to mysouthsidestand.com, a digital news site. “The first letter was so hard to write because you don’t know what to say or ask,” Horan said. As she got to know Dicks, she learned he was convicted in 1979 for … [Read more...] about Developing a relationship from 40 years of letter writing
Death Row gains attention with crucifixion painting
Prisoners on Death Row in Nashville gained the attention of many parishioners with a thought-provoking painting of the crucifixion scene of Jesus, reported Holly Meyer of the USA Today Network. Derrick Quintero, sentenced to death in 1991 for first-degree murder, is one of the artists who depicted the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. “The piece of art is a commentary on the continuing battle for our collective moral world view. I asked my fellow community members to help me create this project to begin conversation about what … [Read more...] about Death Row gains attention with crucifixion painting
Comedyfest showcase brings comfort to SQ’s Protestant Chapel
A comedy fest showcased three funny and talented individuals who brought comfort, joy and laughter to more than 300 San Quentin inmates in San Quentin’s Protestant Chapel. Chuckles and Laughs was the theme of the Nov. 30 nighttime show as comics shared funny and edgy stories and jokes. “Laughter is the cure to the soul,” said Ramon Watkins. “I came in with things on my mind and the laughter made me feel much better.” Watkins enjoyed Oran “Artwork” Hutson, 40, who “brought down the house” with his performance of Staff Talkers, … [Read more...] about Comedyfest showcase brings comfort to SQ’s Protestant Chapel
Native Hawaiian Religious Group holds annual feast
San Quentin was treated to a Hawaiian celebration of food, laughs and music. About 75 prisoners and two dozen Bay Area community members enjoyed the annual feast of the Native Hawaiian Religious Group (NHRG). “This is the second best thing to having a spread on the yard,” said inmate Romeo Pacos. The gathering reunites Asian and Pacific Islanders and created a spirit of companionship beyond any normal prison experience, said Pacos. The broad smiles of the Pacific Islanders were evident as they dined, danced, chanted and sang at the … [Read more...] about Native Hawaiian Religious Group holds annual feast
Magical tones from Bach played by cellist Zuill Bailey
The magical tones of Bach compositions filled the San Quentin Protestant Chapel under the masterful hand of Grammy Award-winning cellist Zuill Bailey. It was Bailey’s second performance this year at San Quentin. Each time he’s played at the historic prison, he’s moved some inmates to tears when they listened to his melodic solos. Zuill Bailey “I wanted to make them feel some- thing, even though it was uncomfortable,” Bailey said in an interview. To do that, he used a 325-year-old cello on loan to him for life. “These kind of … [Read more...] about Magical tones from Bach played by cellist Zuill Bailey
The restorative power of creative writing: Incarcerated people find healing through the written word
Inmates captivated a San Quentin audience of more than 100 on Oct. 20 in the Catholic chapel. They told stories inspired by their childhood, life in prison, dreams and nightmares. “Writing—that’s what saved me in prison,” said Joe Camacho, a former prisoner and alumnus of the writing program called Brothers in Pen. “It became a survival skill to take the stress away and to not think about where I was at.” More than 20 inmates read the stories they had written with the encouragement of instructor Zoe Mullery. “Writing—that’s what saved me in … [Read more...] about The restorative power of creative writing: Incarcerated people find healing through the written word