
TheatreWorkers Project screened “STAND!” a filmed spoken-word and movement piece based on writing by residents of CSP-LAC/ Lancaster’s A Yard on June 9, 2024. “STAND!” was performed by Deon Whitmore, John Njoroge, and Ernst Fenelon, Jr., each of whom has lived experience. Deon was a TWP participant while at Lancaster State Prison and was one of the original writer/ performers of “STAND!” when it was presented as a live theatre piece in 2023. Through email interviews the SQNews was able to discuss the performance with the formerly incarcerated participants.
SQN: How did participating in TWP’s Theatre Inside program at LAC support your rehabilitation?
Whitmore: Being a part of this program essentially gave me a place to get away inside of a chaotic environment. It was a safe space for a moment to push everything to the back of mind and not have to worry about being serious or on defense. I was able to be myself and it was good to be around others who felt like me and needed an escape mentally from our reality.
SQN: Why did you choose to participate in TWP’s “STAND!” project once you were released?
Whitmore: Working with TWP while inside, I understood the limitations when creating and developing our work. And the idea of creating a piece that allowed me to fully embody it, speak my truth, and not have to worry about what others thought felt liberating. I imagined the possibilities of TWP having full control of creating a body of work and bringing it to life would be amazing. I wanted to give the men inside an idea of what a production of the work they helped create would look like, and hopefully inspire them to continue finding peace through art.
SQN: How is this experience supporting your reentry?
Whitmore: I realized entering society was chaotic and having peace within was something I was going to have to make sure of, and I found that very same peace I felt within [TWP] even while inside. I’ve been excited to be a part of something I helped create, and I’m also discovering things about myself while being involved. This has required a level of commitment and focus and having a schedule. I also realized that I genuinely enjoy this work and being a part of TWP has been a safe space.
SQN: What does it feel like to know that a work of art that you helped create while incarcerated is now becoming a film?
Whitmore: It’s definitely exciting knowing that my peers will see our creative piece come to life. Also, my commitment to do what I enjoyed doing working with TWP. Most importantly I know it will motivate and even encourage others to step outside of their [comfort zones] and take a chance on something new.
SQN: Thank you for sharing your story. We are proud you are coming back inside and giving us hope.
Whitmore: currently uses his public speaking skills to amplify the voices of the marginalized and advocates for systemic change. He is a steadfast volunteer in community engagement, fostering connections and building bridges toward a more equitable society.

Fenelon is an international author, inspirational speaker, moderator, life coach, spoken word poet, and performer. He has channeled 33 years of lived experience (incarcerated 14 1/2 years; released almost 19 years ago) with California and global incarceration systems, into a book. Ernst works with TWP, Dancing Though Prison Walls, Prison Education Project, and other organizations to serve communities impacted by mass incarceration and social inequalities. For more information about Fenelon, check out www.ernstfenelonjr.com.
Njoroge served 24 consecutive years in correctional facilities, paroling in 2019. He has worked with TWP since 2020, first as a participant in the LIFER: Stories from the Inside/Out program, then as a collaborating artist and program assistant, and now as a member of the Project Re/ Frame ensemble. Njoroge gives back through his work as an Intake Coordinator for The Francisco Homes, a faith-inspired non-profit organization in South LA that offers holistic support to formerly incarcerated lifers.
“STAND!” was conceived and produced by Susan Franklin Tanner and directed by Marlene McCurtis, with choreography by Alexa Kershner and acting directed by James Macdonald.
“STAND!” premiered on June 9, 2024 at The Davidson/Valenti Theatre and LGBT Center. TWP will begin their 7th year providing rehabilitative theatre programming at LAC in October 2024. To learn more about TheatreWorkers Project click here https://theatreworkersproject.org.
“STAND!” can be seen at https://vimeo.com/963346407
– Susan Franklin Tanner contributed to this story