LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Two Kentucky organizations are partnering to make a difference for those in the criminal justice system through theater.
What You Need To Know
- Voices Inside teaches writing and performing arts classes to incarcerated artists
- It is an outreach program of Kentucky theater organization Pioneer Playhouse
- Antagonist Productions has selected a series of plays for a full production
- Robby Henson, Voices Inside's program director, said he created the organization to expand Pioneer Playhouse's reach
Essamond Wilburn served 24 years behind bars before he was released in April. During that time, he was involved with Voices Inside, an outreach program of Pioneer Playhouse. It teaches writing and performing classes to incarcerated artists.
“You get opportunities not just to have your play read while you're locked up, but to be able to be a part of it," Wilburn said.
Two of Wilburn’s stories were chosen in years past. This year, Wilburn is part of the production, reading a poem he wrote about how he was arrested, how he found God and his transformation.
“To be able to voice your feelings, your comedy, your hurt, your pain or your view on life itself is huge," Wilburn said.
Voices Inside program director Robby Henson said he created the organization to help expand the reach of the Pioneer Playhouse in central Kentucky.
It's where incarcerated writers from the Northpoint Training Center near Danville can write plays performed by professional actors at the Pam Miller Downtown Arts Center.
“It allows the incarcerated writers to get outside themselves," Henson said. "They understand empathy. They raise their self-esteem. They gain communication skills.”
Ian Scott, executive producer of Antagonist Productions, said they've selected a series of seven plays and put on a full production.
“They've been through some experiences that a lot of people haven't, so the writing is very gritty and raw and real," Scott said. "It's not like we're doing 'Hairspray' and things like that ... this is just so far away from that, and that just makes it so different.”
Wilburn said he hopes his story and other inmates’ stories will inspire the community.
“Don't stop being creative because you never know when the day will come, when one of these classes call and your book can be heard, your point can be heard, your play can be read ... because it happened for me just that fast," Wilburn said.