Reasons to be Cheerful: “This is a revolution, dammit!” shouts John Adams, his voice thundering against the fluorescent lights in the acoustic-tile ceiling. “We’re going to have to offend somebody!”
The original congressman from Massachusetts is addressing his fellow founding fathers, twenty of whom are huddled on a 16×20 foot platform, arguing over word choices in the newly-written Declaration of Independence. Adams’ long dreadlocks are twisted into elegant coils as dignified as any powdered wig.
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When people talk about the benefits of arts and people participating in the arts as a way to heal and have fun, I think of stories like this one. It is a perfect example of how perfect the arts can be a powerful tool to help people. I loved reading about how a Broadway costume house loaned costumes, as the theatre is all about giving back to the community. It is great to hear about all the professional people such as female actors, director, and musical director who come in to lend their time. Stories like these and opportunities to sing in old people’s homes and children’s hospitals are one of the reasons that I got into theatre in the first place. It is fantastic hearing about RTA and the work as does. I was very intrigued by the fact stated in the article that most inmates in New York State Prisons are male. I wonder if female prisons are sent to other states or if there is just a low female incarceration rate and why that is. It was fantastic hearing about Archer’s success story and how he got to play to the lead learn three languages, as well as get both a masters and bachelor’s degrees. This article points out how important education and rehabilitation are instead of just hard discipline. Lastly, I LOVE hearing Steinberg talk about the work of the prisoners, I wish every volunteer and mentor was as selfless as she talks about the real work being done by the inmates and not the volunteers. I also LOVE hearing about how much RTA changes the inmates' lives, allowing them a new way to bring art into their lives.
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