(BOP) - The United States Penitentiary (USP) Hazelton, WV partnered with West Virginia University's (WVU) Theater Department to offer a performing arts program for inmates. The USP Hazelton Performing Arts program allows inmates opportunities to learn and practice creative writing, acting, set design, production, sound and light management, and costume creativity.
The weekly class began in April 2016, and performed the first dress rehearsal for staff on September 7th. The class selected the classic tragedy, Macbeth, by William Shakespeare, for their first performance. The inmates rewrote the play using their own words as an exercise for the class. The play is performed entirely in Old English Shakespearian language, and includes props built by the inmate participants, and original music written by them as well.
"The dedication and commitment of the inmates, and the WVU volunteers, has been tremendous," says Unit Manager Myrna Bridges. "The inmates are walking around the units practicing their lines outside of rehearsals." Interest in this program continues to grow among the inmate population and plans are underway for a December holiday performance.