Researcher(s)
- Victoria Kimball, Criminal Justice, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Monica Frichtel, Theater, University of Delaware
Abstract
According to the Department of Justice, in America, 70% of inmates return to prison within five years of being released (Department of Justice, 2018). However, various groups that administer ‘prison theater’ in detention centers find that the recidivism rate of participating inmates is often less than 5%. These inmates tend to report less conflict with other inmates and correctional officers, and they often feel they have a greater sense of purpose. This study seeks to understand what it is about prison theater that is so emotionally healing for inmates, and why their recidivism level decreases dramatically. By answering predetermined, open-ended interview questions, artists from Rehabilitation Through the Arts, Shakespeare Behind Bars, and the Phoenix Players Theater Group reported on their experiences in prison theater, and why they believe ‘rehabilitation’ through theater is effective. Their answers were then separated into codes, and summarized by three larger themes using thematic analysis. After completing thematic analysis, it was found that prison theater is emotionally effective because of the recognition of humanity, the allowance to find freedom, and the growth of emotional and academic intelligence. These themes are congruent with other findings in the field, such as the empirical study completed by Larry Brewster, where he found that prison theater is so effective for inmate ‘rehabilitation’ because it makes positive changes in time management, social competence, achievement motivation, and emotional control, among other things. (Brewster, 2014). While there have been many studies proving the effectiveness of prison theater, there is currently a lack of research that artistically analyzes the products of these programs themselves. Additionally, the field of prison theater, and restorative justice in general, is under threat due to an emphasis on retributive justice in America, which makes this line of research vitally important as a possible alternative to strict punishment.