Greg Kwedar directed and co-wrote (with Clint Bentley) Sing Sing, a chronicle of the real-life Rehabilitation Through Arts program at Maximum Security Prison.
For their powerful performances, Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin (playing himself), the duo have won (Gotham Awards) and/or been nominated by various critics groups (CCA).
Narrative Structure
The tale centers on a group of incarcerated men as they create theatrical shows through the program. It stars professional actors, Oscar nominees Colman Domingo and Paul Raci, alongside real-life formerly incarcerated men who were themselves alumni of the program during their incarceration, including Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin and Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez.
Divine G, incarcerated at Sing Sing Correctional Facility for a crime he did not commit, discovers a sense of purpose through participation in a theater group made up of fellow inmates.
Together, they attempt to stage an original production titled Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code. These inmates are part of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program, which aims to use theater as a form of rehabilitation.
Under the guidance of theater director Brent Buell, Divine G emerges as the star playwright and performer, respected for his emotional depth and acting talent. While pursuing his passion for theater, Divine G is also determined to prove his innocence and regain freedom.
Divine G takes part in recruiting new members, including gruff and aggressive inmate named Divine Eye with a difficult personality. Initially, Divine Eye is dismissive of acting, considering it pointless and disingenuous.
In contrast, Divine G views theater as a transformative and therapeutic process, helping individuals connect with their inner selves.
The two men clash when they disagree on the genre for their next play. Divine G advocates for another drama to challenge his acting abilities, while Divine Eye pushes for a lighthearted comedy, a choice supported by the majority of the inmates. Their rivalry intensifies when Divine Eye auditions for the only dramatic role in the comedy, frustrating Divine G, who sees it as hypocritical and is puzzled by this decision from Divine Eye.
The inmates engage in acting exercises led by Buell, designed to help them tap into their emotions. Divine G excels at all the acting exercises, demonstrating vulnerability and inspiring his peers, while Divine Eye struggles, unable to connect with his emotions or acting.
However, after intimate conversation where the two discuss their personal lives, Divine Eye opens up and take the program seriously. His acting skills gradually improve, earning the respect of the group.
The RTA group eventually performs a sample of the play for the prison’s board of executives to gain approval for their production. Despite a chaotic and mixed performance, the board approves the play to the surprise of the RTA group.
Divine G’s world is shaken with grief and sadness when a fellow inmate, Mike Mike, passes away. At his next parole hearing, Divine G delivers passionate speech about how acting has changed him for the better, only to be blindsided when the interviewer questions whether he is simply acting. Divine G’s parole is denied, while Divine Eye’s hearing is approved, granting release.
Before a dress rehearsal, tensions rise as Divine G suffers breakdown, criticizing the quality of the production and lack of commitment from fellow inmates. Frustrated and disillusioned, he attempts to fight Divine Eye and walks out of the performance, exiling himself from the group.
Divine Eye eventually reaches out and the two reconcile. Divine G apologizes for his outburst and Divine Eye reassures that he is always welcome back in the group. Divine Eye is soon released from the facility and becomes a free man.
A year later, Divine G passes his parole hearing and Divine Eye is waiting outside to greet him, hopeful for the future.
Closure: Hopeful and Optimistic
The film concludes with actual footage from the Rehabilitation Through Arts program at Sing Sing, featuring the real actors who portrayed themselves performing in productions when they were still inmates.
The film premiered at the 2023 Toronto Film Fest, and was released by A24 on July 12, 2024.
Cast
Colman Domingo as John “Divine G” Whitfield
Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin as himself
Sean San José as Mike Mike
Paul Raci as Brent Buell
David “Dap” Giraudy as himself
Patrick “Preme” Griffin as himself
Jon-Adrian “JJ” Velazquez as himself
Sean “Dino” Johnson as himself
