In a groundbreaking collaboration, Berkeley Repertory Theatre is set to showcase performances by formerly incarcerated artists, challenging societal perceptions and transforming personal struggles into powerful storytelling.

The Formerly Incarcerated People’s Performance Project is bringing an unprecedented four-day festival to Berkeley Rep’s main stage, offering audiences an intimate look into the lived experiences of individuals who have navigated the criminal justice system. Founded six years ago by Mark Kenward, the project aims to dismantle stereotypes and provide a platform for authentic, personal narratives.

Performers like Tony Cyprien, who never imagined performing on a professional stage, are sharing deeply personal stories that extend far beyond typical criminal justice narratives. Their performances explore themes of humanity, fatherhood, systemic injustices, and personal transformation.

Some performers, like Gerald Cypert, focus on universal experiences like parenthood, demonstrating that their identities are not defined solely by past legal challenges. Others, such as Anthony Michael, critically examine punitive legal policies like California’s “three strikes” law, which dramatically impacted sentencing and prison populations.

The performances also shed light on critical issues within the prison system, including overcrowding, inadequate healthcare, and the long-term psychological impacts of incarceration. Scott Schell’s vivid descriptions of unsanitary conditions and Cyprien’s poignant story about losing a friend due to neglectful medical care reveal systemic failures that often go unnoticed.

Beyond entertainment, these performances serve a crucial social function. They challenge audience perceptions, humanize individuals who have been marginalized, and demonstrate the transformative power of artistic expression. Community reentry programs and support systems play a vital role in helping formerly incarcerated individuals rebuild their lives, with art serving as a powerful tool for healing and reconnection.

As Joseph Bell Jr., who now works with the Reentry Engagement Program, powerfully states, art can help individuals “feel the humanity of somebody that shouldn’t be defined by a bad decision”.

The festival represents more than a performance – it’s a testament to resilience, creativity, and the profound human capacity for growth and redemption.