Murder, betrayal, and revenge were on full display at the San Quentin Rehabilitation Center with the first ever performance of Shakespeare’s Titus Andronicus within the institution.
This was the first time that this Shakespearean classic has been performed in a California correctional facility, according to the Marin Shakespeare Company, which sponsors and teaches at the prison. The resident performers delivered a tear-jerking production for several peers, staff members, and over 20 outside guests at the May event.
“We’ve decided to show you this exceptionally violent play in hopes that you can deal with the violence and trauma in your own life,” said resident Bruce Bowman, who commentated.
Resident actors transformed a potentially traumatic play into an opportunity to learn about and explore the underlying issues surrounding violent behavior.
“Why are human beings so foul? Shakespeare is showing us how deep trauma turns into psychopathic behavior,” Bowman said.
The story followed Titus Andronicus, played by resident Steve Drown, through a series of misfortunes and tragedies.
The portrayal of the rape and mutilation of his daughter, Lavinia, played by resident Tim McCrea, was replaced with an open dialogue with the audience. They unpacked the horrific event in an educational and informative way.
“Those in our Shakespeare family who have experienced rape say, ‘You don’t get past it, but you get through it,’” McCrea said. “Survivors can gain a new sense of self-reliance, self-resilience, and self-esteem.”
Unlike traditional productions, the resident actors discussed the deeper issues surrounding anger, violence, and victimization.
“He’s a hurt person, an angry person. Where does that anger come from?” resident commentator Darwin Billingsley asked in reference to the story’s antagonist, Aaron.
Audience members wiped away tears during resident Jay Kim’s emotional depiction of his character, Lucius.
“[Expressing] the hatred, the anger, the frustration. That is what drama therapy is. It’s giving back to the community,” a resident said.
After the show, the actors received a standing ovation for their performance. Outside sponsor and co-director Suraya Keating opened the stage for questions and comments from the audience.
“I’ve never been to San Quentin. When I came in to see this work, I was prepared to have my heart opened in a different way,” said guest Michelle Bombe. “Sometimes…on the outside you lose the ‘why’, and this helps me get back to why I think it’s important to tell people’s stories.”
Several residents took the opportunity to offer their gratitude and share their experiences in working with the company.
“I am so grateful for [co-director Leslie Currier] and Suraya. [Marin Shakespeare] has really helped me in my rehabilitation, getting up and talking in front of people,” resident Colby Southwood said.
Keating started working for Marin Shakespeare in 2005 and she finds a “family-like bond” in the community they have fostered at San Quentin.
“This program represents what is possible when we come together with open hearts,” she said. “I would hope that this program inspires others just as we’ve been inspired.”
The original idea for Shakespeare in prison came from Curt L. Tofteland, who attended the play. He said that he started Shakespeare Behind Bars in 1995 in effort to “get at what it means to be a human being.”
“Shakespeare Behind Bars is not about performance, but rather, [the] process. It’s like life.”
Resident McCrea described his experience of working with the Marin Shakespeare Company as “life changing.”
