More than 300 people packed the San Quentin Garden Chapel in June, transforming the space into a Danish castle awash with Hamlet’s anguish and anger over the murder of his father.
For approximately three hours, Suraya Keating and Lesley Currier of Marin Shakespeare Company treated prisoners and outside guests to a masterfully directed rendition of Shakespeare’s Hamlet. It was standing-room-only as prisoners and volunteer actors captured the admiration of many who had never before seen a Shakespearean play.
“I have been an actress for many years,” said Keating. “My reason for coming to S.Q. is to raise consciousness, foster community, and have my fellow actors learn as individuals and as a team. My belief is that they can achieve who they believe they are and not what the past has told them. Shakespeare brings them alive. ”
“I had goose bumps. I wanted to laugh and cry”
While there were praises and laughter throughout the performance, there was a thunderous standing ovation at the end.
“Incredible,” said Elizabeth a community volunteer. “I had goose bumps. I wanted to laugh and cry. I have seen many (productions) and had a new appreciation, respect and admiration for Shakespeare. Thank the cast for me.”
The actors said the opportunity to transform themselves into Shakespearian characters allowed them to forget for a few moments about being locked up. For days, the performance was one of the biggest topics of conversation on the yard.
–Clinton Martin contributed to this story.
