Redemption through art is not a new theme, but it feels extraordinary in the A24 film, ‘Sing Sing,‘ directed by Greg Kwedar. The story is based on work of the nonprofit organization, Rehabilitation Through the Arts and centers around the production of a play by a troupe of prisoners.
The Oscar nominated actor Colman Domingo stars in the film as John Devine G. Whitfield, a founding member of Rehabilitation Through the Arts.
Domingo shared a bit of Whitfield’s story with “City Lights” host Lois Reitzes, telling her, “while he was on the inside, he became a founding member of a program called RTA where… men would go through this program and receive all these skills and… life tools. People [were] able to do true healing and rehabilitation through the art.”
“Sing Sing” premiered on July 12, 2024, to critical acclaim from audiences and critics, scoring 97% on fan-powered Rotten Tomatoes, with the critic consensus naming it “A moving celebration of art’s redemptive power, ‘Sing Sing’ draws its estimable emotional resonance from a never better Colman Domingo and equally impressive ensemble players.”
Domingo also shared with Lois his thoughts on The Horizon Theater’s decision to run his 2009 autobiographical show, “Wild with Happy,” which runs through Sept. 16. Catch these comments and more on City Lights!
