Inspired by the true story of Sing Sing Maximum Security Prison’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts program (or RTA as it is referenced to in the film), Sing Sing made waves during its debut at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, telling the story of how a theatre program within the claustrophobic concrete walls of jail changed the lives of the inmates who took part.
Featuring Coleman Domingo and Paul Raci, plus real life, formerly incarcerated men who learned acting through the RTA program portraying themselves in the film, Sing Sing centres around the group as they attempt to put together a new, original play, unlike anything they’ve done before. The inception and production of the play, and how acting has brought these men together during their rehabilitation, is interwoven with the darker aspects of prison life, and the reality of their existence when they are not performing.
Domingo plays real-life co-founder of Sing Sing’s program, John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield (of who the real Divine G has a brief cameo in the film), a man in prison for a crime he is adamant he did not commit, who has taken wholeheartedly to acting as a form of release and therapy for himself, but sees the impact it has on the other inmates.
Usually in some form of creative control alongside Brent Buell (Paul Raci), who gives his own time to come in and run the program, Divine G prefers the classic theatre options for the group to perform. But when a brash and assertive newcomer to the troop Clarence ‘Divine Eye’ Maclin (playing himself) suggests the cast perform a comedy to give the inmates a fresh, more optimistic performance to look forward too, the dynamics inside and outside of the safe space of the RTA begin to blur for Divine G.
Sing Sing is formulated to pull on the heartstrings. It’s an aspirational story in a setting where film has previously portrayed it as only negative space. Sing SIng doesn’t shy away from the fact that after the smiles and laughs and sense of freedom that the inmates feel when acting is quickly taken away once more when there cells are turned over in contraband searches, or run ins with other inmate hammer home the reality of their situation, but it’s primary focus is to show the power of true rehabilitation for men, in an emotionally vulnerable way.
The camaraderie between the RTA is electric, and knowing that these are mostly previously incarcerated men who willingly returned to the tall cement walls that owned their freedom for so many years, just to be a part of this sensational film, is a testament to the program and hangs over the entirety of the film.
With each actor getting their moment to shine, and hone the skills they learnt during their time in the RTA, there’s a palpable authenticity to Sing Sing. It feels like a documentary with how raw the vibe is, and the way the film is shot, in a grainy, handheld manner, only adds to that realism.
Being one of the most electric actors working today, and having such a strong connection to the source material, Coleman Domingo is a fierce presence on screen while playing such a calm, generous and passionate man. His commanding performance is the glue that holds the foundation of this incredible story together, and being a character as complex as Diving G, who not only is trying to create the best plays he can, but is vigorously fighting for his freedom, allows Domingo to showcase a wide-ranging performance. Alongside brilliant supporting performances from Paul Raci and Sean San Jose, there are no cracks in the cast of Sing Sing.
Sing Sing is a raw and authentic film that utilises the strength of real life, previously incarcerated inmates who were forever changed by the RTA, alongside an award worthy, powerhouse performance from Coleman Domingo, to create one of the most uplifting prison set films ever made.
Sing Sing is playing at the Melbourne International Film Festival, and will release in Australian cinemas soon.
