Shakespeare teaches us what it means to be human, in all the nobility as well as all the depravity that it can entail. How should we act? Who am I?
Again and again, he asks us, “What does it mean to be alive? What do I love?” Redeeming Time makes Shakespeare accessible to all, restores a voice to the silenced and voiceless, and explores the full complexity of the human condition. Although RTP will work with material written by other playwrights and authors, Shakespeare will always be the firm ground on which we stand. We are not turning convi
cted felons into actors; we are using theatre as a tool for rehabilitation through improved communication skills, critical thinking, robust debate, self-reflection, stress release, discipline, teamwork, delayed gratification and, critically, play. Arts programs in correctional institutions give the incarcerated a transformational tool for healing, growth and change. Inmates who study and perform Shakespeare challenge themselves to achieve something most had never dreamed of before coming to prison: They develop a passion for learning. Their literacy and critical thinking skills improve. They explore the full complexity of humanity through Shakespeare, reassessing their past and current choices, as well as their future options, as they do so. They learn to work together as a team, resolve problems creatively and peacefully, express emotions, take the risk of vulnerability, practice empathy and compassion, set goals, understand themselves and others more deeply, achieve something which can make them and their families proud, learn what it means to give back to and become a responsible member of the community.
