Sing Sing (2023) - A Powerful and Authentic Look at Prison Theater

We’re here to become human again.

Sing Sing is a 2023 film. Incarcerated men participate in a prison theater group, led by John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield, a wrongfully convicted man. As they play theater games and perform, they find hope through this program.

Seeing Sing Sing at The Cabot Theatre shed light on a subject that audiences may not have realized existed. Did you ever think prisons had theater programs? Sing Sing depicts a story about humanity reflected through a different lens. It’s a film about portraying the real you even during difficult times.

Colman Domingo delivers an extraordinary performance as John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield. I have seen him in films like The Color Purple (2023) and Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, each showcasing him in a versatile light. Domingo manifests several layers to this intricate character. Divine G refuses to let the unfortunate circumstances define him, remaining jovial and kind.

I didn’t realize until the end credits that the cast was made up of formerly incarcerated members who were a part of the real-life theatre troupe. Their actual audition tapes and theater clips are used in the movie. This casting decision truly adds authenticity to the film.

The cast did an excellent job together. Their best interactions are in the theater scenes. Everyone has a story in this prison, especially on the outside. This film allowed the characters to be vulnerable, a masculine trait not always explored enough in media.

Brent Buell (Paul Raci) is my favorite supporting role as the humble acting teacher. He helps uplift the men’s lives through games, acting exercises, and helping them reach into their emotions. He sees the prisoners as human beings.

Greg Kwedar’s direction is remarkable in its restraints and realism. He brings the idea to life with honesty. His direction focuses on the human connection formed by the theater program. As a fellow theater person, this storyline immediately drew me into the film. More films lately have impacted the power of theater.

The cinematography by Patrick Scola is another brilliant highlight of Sing Sing. It’s a mix of feeling free whenever you’re involved with the theater program until abruptly being confined in this intimate space. The zoom-ins or zoom-outs are also an effective approach to how viewers are looking in on this situation.

Rather than diminishing the prison as a hopeless symbol, it’s put in a new light. It never felt like a hostile environment. This film is one of the more humble representations I have seen about prison. Usually, prison is depicted as a dark, unsafe, and violent place. Sing Sing depicts prison more as a haven to rejuvenate people.

Sing Sing opens the door to several conversations. What we don’t know is that prisons have programs, like theater, to help prisoners become human again. The idea that incarcerated individuals could find solace through acting is an inspiring concept.

This is a film about change. Change is possible. This film challenges audiences to see the prisoners in a new light than the original bias. We are all capable of growth and redemption.

I watched it with a big audience at Cabot. Listening to the audience's reaction is one of my favorite parts. People laughed at the funny moments, vocalized surprise, and applauded the film at the end. Movie theaters make a difference in the viewing experience.

Sing Sing is a deeply moving and profound film. I learned something new, and it brought a sense of peace to the room. This is a movie to check out. I wish it had more recognition for the upcoming awards season.