A Dramatic Evening
at Sing Sing

n several different levels, it was a dramatic evening at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Not only was Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) – the volunteer-run theater program taught in maximum security – staging its 15^th production behind these prison walls, but for the first time ever, the New York Department of Correctional Services had transferred a prisoner from one facility to another so he could see his play performed. What’s more, former members of RTA out on parole had been given permission to return to see the production. All of this was due to the forceful advocacy of Brian Fischer, Superintendent of Sing Sing.

While he was still incarcerated at Sing Sing, Philip Hall joined RTA’s writers’ workshop in which he wrote "The N_ _ _ _ _ Trial." This play puts the N-word on trial and examines it from its historical roots during slavery to its contemporary usage, where some people claim that by using the word they transform it into a term of endearment, while others see it as derogatory and totally unjustified under any circumstances.

As to why he chose this particular topic, Hall, a native of Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn, said that it was something he often spun around in his head as a debate. "This is about what words mean to different people at different times, freedom of speech, censorship, and the question of whether, if someone is offended, should we use a word," he explained. "I felt this was something important to look at."

Speaking of what he gained from his experience in RTA, Hall said that there isn’t much warmth in prison, but being involved with RTA was like being in a family. "We have problems, but there’s a lot of love," he noted. "RTA made me more open to expressing my feelings. Some of the acting exercises forced me to confront what made me work." He said that even after being transferred to Otisville, every Tuesday at 6 pm, he still thinks of the men getting ready to rehearse at Sing Sing.

Hall stated, too, that he’s proud of his play, but he wishes he’d written it under different circumstances. "I ask myself, ‘Do I, as a person who broke the law, have a right to write what many people would call a morality play?’" he confided. He hopes that this and all the other things he aspires to do when he gets out in churches, community centers, and anywhere else he can share what he learned, will help make up for his sins.

The seeds of Philip Hall’s hope could be seen in the positive effect his play was already having on men at Sing Sing. Dewey Bozella, a member of the stage crew who wants to go into film directing so he, too, can deliver a constructive message, said, "I like the way you get a complete understanding of what Phil was trying to say, including about what happened during slavery. The reality of the play is beautiful. I love how he wrote it and how, in the performance, his words were brought to life."

It was very moving to witness the reaction of the cast and crew when they saw their former RTA colleagues out on parole. When they spotted Sean "Dino" Johnson – who played starring roles in several RTA productions and now, along with RTA alumni Jerry Ciari, appears in the film "The Producers" – they set up an enthusiastic chant of his name. Asked what he felt upon hearing this, Johnson responded, "I got goose pimples because I felt their warmth. It blew me away!"

Johnson went on to say that he saw some of the men when they first started in RTA, and watching them evolve was tremendous. "It felt so good to sit there and watch them and then to see their faces afterwards," he stated. "I'm so proud of them!" And, referring to the work he now does with Council for Unity where he is a Gang Prevention Specialist, Johnson added, "This motivates me to continue doing what I'm doing. It was beautiful."

Not only the RTA participants, but many of the corrections officers were moved by what transpired. One CO, who has worked at Sing Sing for nine years, said that seeing the men cheering Johnson brought tears to the eyes. "I think the RTA program has been excellent," the CO continued. "It’s motivated the men in so many ways. I've seen them blossom, and seeing guys like this come back gives them hope that they can get out and do something positive also."

RTA alumni Terry Reed, who was in for 18 years and has been out for a year and a half, commented on his way out that he was excited about seeing not just the play but the guys. "Sometimes you wonder how they’re doing." he said, "You might get a little message through the grapevine, but to actually see them, talk to them, and give them a hug was great. But when you walk away," he continued, "you can't help but feel sad. You get to go home and they get to go back to their cells. You wonder ‘Why me?’ I know a lot of the guys, if they had the chance to get out, would do well. They aren't risks."

Carlos Santiago, who’s been out for 4½ years, revealed that he hadn’t been too sure about coming that night since it would bring back so many memories of his 15 years there. But even though it was bittersweet, he was glad he came with the other men because he knows how hard it is to hold onto a vision of the future when you’re inside. "It was good knowing that they can look at us and get encouragement that they, too, can be on the outside and have a successful life," he commented.

Part of that success was shown in the fact that Santiago was accompanied by his wife, Maritza Soto, who said of him, "I am very, very proud of the guy. This is the man I've been dreaming of all my life. I'm sure he's going to be an excellent role model for our daughter as she's growing up."

Robert Sanchez, who also served 15 years and has been out for 5, said he went through a moment of catharsis in being there. It was very emotional for him seeing some of the men he did time with, and he felt sad that they haven’t gotten paroled yet. "But," Sanchez declared, "going back inside and seeing them participating in this positive program that I was part of creating, and then coming back outside where I'm now a successful taxpaying member of society, and knowing that one day they will be on the same successful track that I'm on now - it's very gratifying."

Christopher Bradford, who has been out for 5 years after serving 19, said simply that he just wants to be "a positive inspiration to the guys and let them know that you can get out, and a new life will come little by little." He praised very highly the work of RTA’s founder and producer, Katherine Vockins, and stated that he’s grateful for RTA’s effect on his life even now.

Rehabilitation Through the Arts is a not-for-profit foundation. Contributions are tax deductible. For further information, contact Katherine Vockins at (914) 232-7566 or pci19@optonline.net, or visit www.p-c-i.org.