Theatrical Productions
The following plays were produced as a part of the Rehabilitation Through The Arts theatre workshop program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility, Ossining, NY.
Stories from the Inside Out
In this show the performers shed their masks, risk playing themselves, and invite their peers to do the same. Through interwoven text derived from the actors' lives, members of the audience have the opportunity to express and witness their own thoughts, experiences and stories. Each night is unique; the beginning and the end are subject to change, depending upon the interaction between the performers and the audience.
The N_____ Trial 
When a young black man is arrested for "Hate Speech," blacks and whites alike must learn the history of one of the most hateful words in American history in order to decide what the future holds for those who continue to use it.
Breakin' the Mummy's Code
Breakin' the Mummy's Code features a cast of 25, playing over 70 roles, that tells the story of a fictional RTA production supposedly written by six prisoners. The audience quickly learns that the play isn't ready and that they will be watching the first run-through. What follows is the fractured and uproarious journey of a young Egyptian Prince, seeking to uncover the mystery of his "mummy's" murder. The search leads him through a staggering variety of locales – from Medieval London to pirate ships, the Old West, and gladiatorial combat in the Roman Coliseum.
Jitney
Set against the backdrop of the post-Civil Rights movement/Vietnam war era in the industrial city of 1970's Pittsburgh , the play depicts the changing world of a gypsy cab station, where the drivers strive to earn respect and a living despite numerous social and personal barriers. Becker, an honored older man of the community, operates the jitney station with his team of drivers.
Fine Print
Fine Print is the story of Zabar Turner, a record producer who is tricked into signing over his record company. During Zabar's journey to get his studio back, he learns about friendship, the dangers of overzealous ambition, betrayal, the various degrees of forgiveness, the transformative power of perseverance and how all relationships contain fine print (the unclear, often hidden contractual clauses found in contracts, advertisements, and other official documents).
12 Angry Men
12 Angry Men is a play about what goes on inside the jury room. Many of us have no idea how decisions are made behind the jury room's closed doors. This play presents a bird's eye view of the different personalities that comprise a jury and allows us to experience first-hand these secret proceedings. One man can make a difference - Juror #8 stands up to eleven other people to ultimately save a young man's life.
Stratford's Decision
This bright, new comedy, set in a faux Elizabethan period that embraces both old English and street lingo, explores a common paradox within the human condition: that we are all wise and foolish at some points in our lives. What is more important - love or power? Such is the nature of Stratford's Decision.
Reality in Motion
Reality in Motion is an original play written by five prisoners who were determined to present entertainment that contains a message to the Sing Sing population. It is about learning some of life's harsh realities. The grass sometimes looks greener on the other side of the fence; but this isn't always true, as the choices we make determine our future. This is a restaging of RTA's first production of the same name.
SLAM
SLAM is the story of an inner-city poet who goes to jail on a drug charge and finds salvation through his art. This story not only captures life, but also enriches it with a belief in language and the clarifying power of words.
Voices From Within
This series of plays affords society a "window" to see the humanity and creative ability of men in prison. As the caterpillar turning into the butterfly (on the playbill) signifies change, we believe in the redemptive and transformative experience of theatre. The writing workshop produced such a unique insight into the lives of prisoners that these plays were also performed in the Newman Theater in Westchester County.
A Few Good Men
The stage: a mirror reflecting our strivings and accomplishments, our frailties and strengths, our differences and commonalities; a tribute and testament to our humanity and inhumanity; a boundless and echoing landscape upon which our voices rise and footsteps fall, before fading away. With the military establishment as a backdrop, we are proud to present our rendition of how the struggle for power is reconciled, how truth and honor triumph.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
From RTA members: "We are a group of men dedicated to the transforming powers of the stage . We believe the Theatre Workshop affords us the opportunity to convert destructive behavior into the creation of a new reality that emphasizes positive empowerment. We have become one voice, one movement, and one spirit in order to bring you our rendition of Dale Wasserman's One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, adapted by Dewey Bozella. We hope to carry your mind and heart to a new dimension . Let this play be our gift to you for this holiday season.
The Sacrifice
From the author: "The Sacrifice is about greed, ruthless ambition, and the dark side of man's character. Writing this play was a challenge in many ways. The biggest was getting people outside the walls, people who don't want to admit or acknowledge their dark sides, to say what they would do if they were in possession of absolute power and, if they had absolute power, what they would do to keep it. The consensus is, anything! So we must ask ourselves, What are our leaders willing to do to obtain and retain absolute power? Scary, don't you think?"
An Evening of Theatre, Four Original One-Act Plays
Front & Back by Philip Hall; The Border by Barbara Quintero; Shocked by Robert Sanchez; and Mirror, Mirror by Miguel Valentin.
When We're Home
This poetic play is set on a subway platform in New York City. Paroled men meet and talk about the issues facing them as they return home after serving time in prison.
Reality in Motion
Director's notes: When this production first got under way, I wasn't quite sure how far we would be able to take it. But with the never-ending support of Katherine, Lorraine, Jan, and Jim, it looks like the sky is the limit... I must say that I was truly surprised by the administration's eagerness to help us in this endeavor. A special thanks to Deputy Superintendent E. Carrillo and Mr. D. Manwaring, because without them none of this would have been possible. Most of all, I hope that we can help someone from going through the same pain and suffering that these characters go through. It is important that we believe in ourselves, because a little belief in one's self can go a long way!
Productions Outside of Sing Sing Prison
Back House Productions
"Wood Bars" original one-act written by Miguel Valentin & Brent Buell, directed by Brent Buell, and featuring Robert Sanchez, Carlos Santiago, and Miguel Valentin.
The "Nigger" Trial
When a young black man is arrested for "Hate Speech," blacks and whites alike must learn the history of one of the most hateful words in American history in order to decide what the future holds for those who continue to use it.
Voices From the Inside
From the inmates: These plays reflect the various voices of men who have made grave mistakes in their past. We are responsible for our past actions and the change that has taken place in each of us. RTA has been the vehicle used to channel our energy and creativity towards achieving a common goal.
