Inside the walls of San Quentin State Prison, there was an unusual announcement over the intercom, “The Protestant chapel will be open for Shakespeare after dinner, and all are welcomed to attend!”
For the seventh year in a row, the Marin Shakespeare Company and the William James Association have sponsored the production. Suraya Keating directs Shakespearean plays at San Quentin.
This year 11 men, who must maintain their prison jobs or are enrolled in the prison’s educational program, carved out time for rehearsal on Friday evenings, and Sunday morning on the yard. The result of their dedication and study was a production of Romeo and Juliet.
The prison’s Protestant Chapel is the perfect stage for theater, with a seating capacity of 150-200. All seats were filled with excited prisoners and dedicated staff members including Laura Bowman, Steve Emerick, Pastor Curry, Lt. Samuel Robinson, Acting Warden Cullen, who thoroughly enjoyed this classic love story and tragedy unfold flawlessly before them.
The play positively impacted North Block where the prisoner/actors are housed, as the men who participated in the play received pats on the back, and complements from their fellow prisoners. One prisoner said, “I was happy to see all the races come together and do something positive.” Prisoners who missed the performance were clearly disappointed, wanting an encore performance.
Erin L. O’Connor played Romeo. He commented, “What strikes me about this play is how deep lies the extent to which one will go to not only proved their love but also to make sure that love stays strong.”
Lesley Currier, who played Juliet, gave an inspirational anecdote, “The men who participate in this program are courageous, intelligent and talented. Shakespeare at San Quentin gives them an unusual opportunity to learn many life skills, while exploring the great literary art of Williams Shakespeare.”
Director Suraya Keating composed the following statement for the audience: “As you watch our performance today, I invite you to reflect on your own thoughts about love and violence, and how we may create together a more peaceful world.”
The performance received coverage from KPIX, a local television station affiliated with CBS, and Nancy Mullane’s radio show, Cross Currents, which airs at 5 p.m. weekdays on 91.7 KALW, a National Public Radio affiliate. For additional coverage go on line to: More Marin.com or bill@MoreMarin.com, (415) 877-4270.line to: More Marin.com or bill@MoreMarin.com, (415) 877-4270.
