Although no one in the film hatches an elaborate plan to break beyond prison walls, “Sing Sing” is in its own way about an escape.
Director Greg Kwedar’s potential awards season favorite starring Academy Award nominee Colman Domingo – which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last year – opens in theatres nationwide on Friday, August 16.
A maximum security prison with the generational reputation as one of the most dangerous correctional facilities on the planet serves as the setting for a film that tenderly reveals the arts as an avenue for healing and redemption. “Sing Sing” is based on the real-life experiences of an inmate theater troupe called Rehabilitation Through the Arts as featured in the Esquire article “The Sing Sing Follies” by John H. Richardson and RTA’s original production of Breakin’ The Mummy’s Code by Brent Buell.
The mastermind of the escape at the core of “Sing Sing” is not an evil genius. John “Divine G” Whitfield is a man brave enough to fully lean into his artistic inclinations in an environment where the slightest display of vulnerability could put one’s survival at risk. Life choices and a criminal justice system that often stacks the odds against Black and brown citizens have him serving a lengthy bid at Sing Sing. He manages to thrive by leaning into his love for reading, writing and performing. Despite the confines of his cell and prison standard operating procedures that negate his humanity at every turn, Divine G has found freedom in being the authentic self he felt society discouraged prior to his incarceration. He motivates other members of RTA to do the same – and even takes an unlikely protégé under his wing.
Led by Domingo in the role of Divine G, “Sing Sing” also stars Academy Award nominee Paul Raci and several of the formerly incarcerated RTA alumni –including Clarence “Divine Eye” Maclin and Sean San José.
Finally having his well-deserved moment as a leading man, Domingo showcases the brilliance that was once relegated to “wait a minute, who’s that guy?” with his performance as Divine G.
Domingo’s ability to compel audiences to lean in and connect with supporting – or even seemingly insignificant – roles should be required study for aspiring actors. “Sing Sing” gives him the center stage platform to display his natural magnetism and keen ability to deliver an authentic and emotionally intelligent portrayal.
But what was equally captivating, was how the RTA alums rose to the occasion of going toe-to-toe with acclaimed actors. Maclin just might have put himself in contention to share the rarified air of his co-stars as an Academy Award nominee if the 2024 awards season goes the way many predict. He utilizes every one of the acting muscles he developed in RTA and earns every ounce of acclaim “Sing Sing” will most certainly grant him.
By creating space for actual members of RTA “Sing Sing” also makes a case for “citizen cinema” and illustrates the power of second chances for those branded due to past convictions.
While the backstories for characters could have used more flesh – and clearly connected dots. But the hollowness with respect to their past lives didn’t diminish the film’s power of displaying their current reality.
The film demonstrates that the arts not only have healing and power, but can also be an opportunity for freedom and redemption through a shared display of humanity. This can be seen both in the lives that inspired “Sing Sing” and the real-life RTA members who played a critical role in transforming their experiences into the art that appears on screen.
“Sing Sing” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, August 16. The film is rated R with a running time of 105 minutes.