Watch Shakespeare Behind Bars

Shakespeare Behind Bars is a 2005 documentary film directed by Hank Rogerson, which is about the lives of incarcerated prisoners in the Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in La Grange, Kentucky. The movie explores the transformative power of Shakespeare's plays in the lives of these prisoners, who have been convicted for various crimes.

The movie introduces us to a group of prisoners who are taking part in a program called Shakespeare Behind Bars, which is designed to provide a creative outlet for the inmates as well as to help them develop new skills, gain confidence and increase their chances of reintegration into society once they are released. In the movie, we see how the prisoners work together to prepare for a performance of Shakespeare's play, The Tempest.

The documentary is an intimate look into the personal lives of these inmates and how they are affected by the Shakespearean characters they portray. We get a glimpse of the prisoners' background stories, what led them to prison, and the challenges they face in their daily lives. We also see the connection the inmates have with the characters they play, as they draw similarities between their own experiences and those of the characters.

The movie highlights how Shakespeare's themes and characters resonate with the inmates' own experiences. For example, we see how the character of Caliban who is outcast, misunderstood and disdained by those around him, resonates with an inmate named Hal Cobb, who has been convicted of murder and is serving a life sentence. Hal sees himself in Caliban's struggles and relates to his pain and trauma.

The documentary also explores the therapeutic benefits of the program. The prisoners express gratitude for the opportunity to take part in the program and how it provides a sense of purpose, hope and comfort. They speak about how the program has helped them understand themselves and others better, manage their emotions and communicate more effectively. One inmate, Curt Tofteland who plays Prospero, reflects on how the program has helped him to change his perspective on life and to take responsibility for his past actions.

The film captures the rehearsal process leading up to the final performance of The Tempest, which is performed for fellow inmates, volunteers, and members of the community. The performance is an emotional and powerful moment for both the prisoners and the audience. The prisoners deliver their lines with conviction, and the audience is moved by the authenticity and depth of their performances.

Shakespeare Behind Bars is a thought-provoking film that challenges our perceptions of the prison system, rehabilitation and redemption. It highlights the humanity of the inmates and encourages us to consider the power of the arts in promoting social change. The program demonstrates that prisoners are not just defined by their crimes, but that they are capable of growth, change and transformation. The movie leaves the viewer with a sense of hope and optimism about the possibility of a better future, even for those who have been cast aside by society.

Shakespeare Behind Bars is a 2006 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 33 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.6 and a MetaScore of 74.