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‘Macbeth’ enthralls inmates
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BALTIMORE (Map, News) - Patuxent Institution inmates enjoyed one of the finer things in life this past weekend: a performance of Shakespeare’s “Macbeth.”
“I’m excited to see the play,” said inmate Jarreau Newton. “We raised money for the institution to donate towards the Thurgood Marshall Fund.”
For $5, 114 inmates and two guests were entertained by the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company. The male and female inmates were selected based upon their good behavior.
“We’re exposing inmates to the classics,” said Eric Schaffer, associate director of behavioral sciences. “This is one of our long-term therapy programs. People grow up within our systems, and a play like ‘Macbeth’ features aspects of life that are familiar to the inmates.”
“I read Shakespeare plays in high school, but I am excited to see a play,” said inmate Bronwynn Myers. “This whole experience is endearing to me because I want to participate and give back to the community.”
Cleaning bathrooms and scrubbing kitchens generated proceeds designed to benefit the black community through the Thurgood Marshall Fund.
“These people are a part of our community,” said Tammy Moon before performing as Lady McDuff. “The institution wanted to ‘Macbeth’ regardless of the play’s violence.”
The violence and life lessons of Macbeth relate to the inmates, said artistic director Ian Gallanar. “It’s great to have such success and be so involved with the therapy and rehabilitation of the inmates.”
Patuxent Institute — well known for its experimental treatment methods — is the second prison in 20 years to invite actors behind bars. In an echoing auditorium, inmates sat on orange chairs with loved ones and watched the tragedy of Macbeth unfold.
“I asked the inmates if they would be interested in fundraising for a play,” said warden John Wilt, originator of the first production at Brockbridge Facility more than 20 years ago. “It’s an opportunity to give back to the communities from which they have come.”
Reading classics like ‘Macbeth’ is just one of the rehabilitation services offered at the institution. Others include gardening, quilting and a barber shop.
“Every inmate goes through extensive behavior modifications,” said Mark Vernarelli, director of public safety. “We want to acclimate inmates back into society.”
lduffy@baltimoreexaminer.com
Comments from Examiner Readers
1:10 AM MST on Mon., Nov. 5, 2007 re: "‘Macbeth’ enthralls inmates"
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The Undertaker said:
This should be encouraged. If more people studied the classics there would be less crime.
72 agree | 65 disagree
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