Shakespeare behind bars, transforming lives through drama

Leslie Courier, the founding managing director of Marin Shakespeare Company, discusses the transformative power of drama therapy. The program helps break down barriers and fosters personal growth among participants, many of whom have no prior theater experience. Through acting, individuals explore their emotions and life experiences, gaining empathy and healing. The video highlights the challenges and rewards of embodying complex characters, emphasizing the cathartic nature of performance and its potential to contribute positively to society.

What is the primary inspiration behind the Marin Shakespeare Company's program?

• Music therapy

• Art therapy

• Drama therapy

• Dance therapy

How does the inmate describe his initial feelings about acting again?

• Excited and eager

• Reluctant and doubtful

• Confident and ready

• Indifferent and uninterested

What does the inmate hope to achieve by playing his role?

• To help other inmates feel part of the story

• To escape from reality

• To gain personal fame

• To impress the audience

What emotional benefit does the inmate gain from acting?

• It allows him to forget his past

• It makes him feel powerful

• It provides financial gain

• It helps him gain empathy

What is a significant challenge the inmate faces while playing his character?

• Memorizing lines

• Tearing open old wounds

• Dealing with stage fright

• Understanding Shakespearean language