POV Season 31 Episode 3 Singing With The Angry Bird

Singing With The Angry Bird is an episode of the PBS documentary series POV, which originally aired as part of the show's 31st season. In this episode, viewers are introduced to a group of inmates at Indonesia's Cipinang Correctional Facility who participate in a unique rehabilitation program that involves performing in a prison choir.

The star of this episode is a man named Sparrow, who has been incarcerated since 2003 for drug-related crimes. Sparrow is one of the founding members of the prison choir, which is called Kebun Binatang, or "The Zoo." The choir is led by a music teacher named Pak Said, who has been working with inmates at Cipinang for nearly 20 years.

Sparrow is an enthusiastic participant in the choir, and his passion for singing is infectious. He explains that music helps him deal with the isolation and trauma of prison life, and he believes that the choir has also helped him develop valuable skills that will be useful when he is released.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to a number of performances by the choir, which primarily consists of covers of popular Indonesian songs. The inmates range in age and background, but all share a deep love of music. Some are shy and hesitant at first, but over time they gain confidence and develop strong bonds with their fellow singers.

In addition to the performances, the episode also delves into the personal lives of some of the inmates. Sparrow, for example, has a wife and young daughter outside of prison who he is desperate to reunite with. He uses his time in the choir to practice his communication skills and work on his emotional intelligence, hoping that these skills will help him navigate the challenges of re-entry when he is eventually released.

The episode also touches on the challenges of running a rehabilitation program in Indonesia, where the justice system is notoriously tough on drug offenders and many inmates are stuck in overcrowded, under-resourced facilities for years on end. Pak Said and his team work hard to provide a safe, supportive environment for the singers, but they face a number of obstacles along the way.

Overall, Singing With The Angry Bird is an inspiring and uplifting episode that showcases the power of music to transform lives. The inmates of Kebun Binatang use their voices to express themselves, connect with others, and find meaning and purpose in a challenging and often bleak environment. The episode reminds us that even in the darkest of places, hope and human connection can flourish.