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Kentucky Inmates Perform 'Shakespeare Behind Bars'

corrections.ky.gov

By Graham Shelby

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wkms/local-wkms-996725.mp3

Oldham County, Kentucky – The Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in Oldham County, Kentucky is home to about 1100 felons and one unusual theatre company. It's an all-inmate ensemble called Shakespeare Behind Bars. For sixteen years, the group has staged full productions of plays like Hamlet and Macbeth and performed for both other inmates and the public.

This season, they're taking on a new challenge: Romeo and Juliet. Kentucky Public Radio's Graham Shelby visited Luther Luckett to find out how - and why - this group of convicted felons plans to present Shakespeare's classic tale of young love.