Instructors and the performers of Theatre Workers Project’s More Than A Number Behind miles of razor wire and an electric fence, 23 prisoners housed in California State Prison – Los Angeles County (Lancaster) performed an original theater piece titled “More than a Number.” For 10 weeks, the men gathered in the same place, at the same time, in preparation for their performances for the Theatre Workers Project led by Susie Tanner. “I am touched by the humanity and willingness of the men and women to share” Like clockwork, … [Read more...] about Original play offers intimate look at doing time in prison
Performances
Concert showcases Mad Mama, the Bona Fide Few, and the Bangers
Mad Mama Lopez (right) with the Mad Mama The sounds of guitar riffs being shredded and vintage rock ’n’ roll rang throughout San Quentin’s Lower Yard for the prison’s annual Rock Concert. The July 27 event showcased Mad Mama and the Bona Fide Few and punk rock band the Bangers. Mad Mama’s band hails from San Francisco and the Bangers made the trip from Sacramento. The lively personality of Mad Mama Lopez set the stage ablaze with her bubbly demeanor and sharp wit. Mad Mama’s airy high-pitched vocals, similar to Minnie Mouse, the … [Read more...] about Concert showcases Mad Mama, the Bona Fide Few, and the Bangers
The sounds of Woodstock filled the Catholic Chapel
Courtesy of Tom Lapinski Kurt Huget’s guitar workshop for San Quentin inmates did it again—this time bringing the music of Woodstock to the SQ Cath- olic Chapel for a mostly acoustic ensemble perfor- mance. No one remembered ex- actly whose idea it was to celebrate the iconic con- cert’s 50 year anniver- sary—but they all agreed it was a perfect theme for their June 23 showcase. “Woodstock means a lot to the older generation,” said incarcerated guitar stu- dent Thomas Washington, age 74–a trained jazz saxo- phonist who has learned … [Read more...] about The sounds of Woodstock filled the Catholic Chapel
San Quentin thespians embody Shakespeare
The players enacted The Winter’s Tale and Two Gentlemen of Verona Shakespeare at San Quentin performed The Winter’s Tale and Two Gentlemen of Verona on consecutive Fridays in May in the prison’s Protestant Chapel. Marin Shakespeare Company began its first Shakespeare program at San Quentin in 2003. Director Suraya Keating of Marin Shakespeare, invited each audience of more than 100 people from the local San Francisco Bay Area community and almost 90 inmates to sit together and enjoy the plays. About The Winter’s Tale Keating said, … [Read more...] about San Quentin thespians embody Shakespeare
Juneteenth weekend celebration at San Quentin
Public Enemy The 2019 Juneteenth weekend at San Quentin concluded with speeches and musical performances in the prison’s Catholic Chapel. About 70 inmates and a handful of outside guests attended the evening event. The prison’s R&B band New Syndication of Funk (NSF) was the driving force behind the music playing songs such as “What You Won’t Do For Love” by Bobby Caldwell. Lee Jaspar delivered a memorable solo on guitar, and Rico Rogers was unmatched with his solo on the keyboard. Inmate Paul C. Hamilton was one of the organizers … [Read more...] about Juneteenth weekend celebration at San Quentin
San Quentin kicks off its summer concert series
James Benson on drums and Darryl Farris on bass The San Quentin Music Program kicked off its summer concert series with a socially conscious Juneteenth Celebration on the prison’s Lower Yard. The June 15 jamboree provided funk, soul, oldies but goodies and rap music to a yard that was full of activities, from basketball to exercising. Even the smoke from the Native Americans’ sweat lodge didn’t distract the crowd of more than 60 people from surrounding the stage for a musical interlude. Kevin D. Sawyer on background vocals and … [Read more...] about San Quentin kicks off its summer concert series
Hamilton cast and crew visits San Quentin
Members of Hamilton cast and crew with SQNews advsiors Monica Campbell and Jan Perry The world proved wide enough for San Quentin prisoners and the San Francisco production of Hamilton to come together as one community. Donald Webber, Jr., Darilyn Castillo, Marja Harmon, and Sabrina Sloan At the invitation of SQNews adviser Jan Perry, members of the cast and crew welcomed the June 21 opportunity to take a quick tour of the prison while getting acquainted with some of its incarcerated residents. “Their visit totally … [Read more...] about Hamilton cast and crew visits San Quentin
SQ’s No Limits dance crew performs
“The EOP program has enriched my life” San Quentin’s No Limits Dance Crew raised the roof once again during their May performance. The crew stepped it up and debuted their first piece of original choreography in the education department of the prison’s dormitory yard. “The men came up with most of the moves, I just directed them in the space,” said Ms. Bridges, the program facilitator, “I’m so proud of them.” The squad danced to an instrumental version of the song I Got Five On It with a pleasantly surprising violin added into the … [Read more...] about SQ’s No Limits dance crew performs
Bob Goff returns to San Quentin with friends
Bob Goff speaking to the crowd about ambition Bob Goff refers to him- self as a “recovering lawyer” after practicing law for 25 years. In May, he returned to San Quentin, along with some friends, to speak with the inmates who assist the many guests who tour the prison. Goff met these inmates when he toured San Quentin, and he wanted to speak directly to them. He first engaged them in the Protestant Chapel with dialog that involved comedy. Then he asked about their ambitions. “When people know what you want they want to help you,” … [Read more...] about Bob Goff returns to San Quentin with friends
Navigating the unexpected: Improv offers critical life skills
Teachers and students of Prison University Project's Improv Class Roars of laughter filled the classroom as the Prison University Project (PUP) Improv Troupe put on the last of two performances for the spring semester. The April 19 show was a result of everything that the students learned in the Improv for Life class. “Everything that you are about to see has not been planned; it has not been rehearsed; it comes from the shoulders, or as we say it, improv,” said SQN staffer, MC Aaron “Showtime” Taylor as he welcomed the … [Read more...] about Navigating the unexpected: Improv offers critical life skills