Shakespeare Behind Bars is a film that follows an all-male Shakespearean theater company composed of convicted felons. For one year, while incarcerated at Kentucky’s Luther Luckett prison, the cast rehearse and perform a full production of Shakespeare’s great last play, The Tempest.
The prisoners cast themselves in roles reflecting their life experiences, including the crimes for which they were convicted. As they struggle to understand the characters they are playing, they uncover startling and moving truths about themselves.
The Tempest’s underlying theme of forgiveness is at the heart of this incredible documentary. Through their creative journey, these “murderers, fugitives and thieves” reveal kindness, generosity and faith. And we are left wrestling with the notions of transformation and redemption.
• Official Selection – Sundance Film Festival 2005
• Official Selection – Edinburgh Int’l Film Festival 2005
• Special Jury Prize – Independent Film Festival of Boston 2005
• Best In Show – Bendfilm Festival 2005
• Crystal Heart Award – Heartland Film Festival 2005
Special Features
- NTSC Region 1
- Prisoner Commentaries
- Filmmaker Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- Bonus Performance Footage
- Troupe Update
