Chicago's Incarcerated Men Create Award-Winning Play to Combat Violence
A group of incarcerated men, including playwright Brian Beals, have created an award-winning play that tackles the issue of violence plaguing Chicago's poorest communities. The play, titled "The Story of Violence," was written by a 12-man team from different neighborhoods and age groups with varying experiences with violence.
Beals, who is also the founder and executive director of the Mud Theatre Project, a nonprofit organization that produces original plays to promote community organizing and emotional growth, said that their goal was to uncover and hold accountable systemic conditions that contribute to high-crime areas in communities of color. They aimed to confront stereotypes and find solutions to combat violence and reimagine safety in their neighborhoods.
The play explores the story of a teenage girl's killing and how it brings together characters with different perspectives, leading to a clash of ideas and ultimately revealing the ways in which violence-plagued neighborhoods have lost their sense of self. The production was performed during Black History Month at the Dixon Correctional Center, where the men first started writing the play.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, including lockdowns, COVID-19 restrictions, and the death of one of the lead actors, the team remained determined to produce the play. In 2023, they received permission to perform it outside the prison for an audience, which marked a significant milestone in their production.
The play won first place in Pen America's National Prison Writing competition drama category in 2023 and was later adapted into a radio play version by WBEZ's "Prisoncast!" The accolades are a testament to the impact of the play on its audience at the Dixon Correctional Center, where men cried, applauded, and engaged in serious conversations about the issues raised in the production.
A group of incarcerated men, including playwright Brian Beals, have created an award-winning play that tackles the issue of violence plaguing Chicago's poorest communities. The play, titled "The Story of Violence," was written by a 12-man team from different neighborhoods and age groups with varying experiences with violence.
Beals, who is also the founder and executive director of the Mud Theatre Project, a nonprofit organization that produces original plays to promote community organizing and emotional growth, said that their goal was to uncover and hold accountable systemic conditions that contribute to high-crime areas in communities of color. They aimed to confront stereotypes and find solutions to combat violence and reimagine safety in their neighborhoods.
The play explores the story of a teenage girl's killing and how it brings together characters with different perspectives, leading to a clash of ideas and ultimately revealing the ways in which violence-plagued neighborhoods have lost their sense of self. The production was performed during Black History Month at the Dixon Correctional Center, where the men first started writing the play.
Despite facing numerous obstacles, including lockdowns, COVID-19 restrictions, and the death of one of the lead actors, the team remained determined to produce the play. In 2023, they received permission to perform it outside the prison for an audience, which marked a significant milestone in their production.
The play won first place in Pen America's National Prison Writing competition drama category in 2023 and was later adapted into a radio play version by WBEZ's "Prisoncast!" The accolades are a testament to the impact of the play on its audience at the Dixon Correctional Center, where men cried, applauded, and engaged in serious conversations about the issues raised in the production.
These guys went through so much but still managed to create something powerful and meaningful. I mean, who needs a traditional theatre experience when you can have a play that's born out of a prison? It just shows how art can be a powerful tool for change. And it's amazing that they were able to bring together characters with different perspectives - it's like they said, "Hey, we're all in this together!" 
The fact that they received permission to perform outside the prison is also super cool! It's like a beacon of hope and a reminder that even behind bars, there's room for growth and expression. Kudos to Brian Beals and his team for creating something so impactful! 
. I think we could all learn from their approach, which isn't about shying away from the problem, but about facing it head-on and finding solutions.
. Lockdowns, COVID restrictions... you name it. But what really matters is that they persevered and created something beautiful in the process.
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. They're not only writing and performing their own play, but also addressing some really tough issues like violence in the community. I mean, can you imagine being stuck behind bars with nothing to do but write about your life? It's amazing that they were able to create something so powerful and meaningful despite all the obstacles they faced 
. And now it's even been recognized by Pen America and radio stations! That's what I call talent 
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You know what's wild? I just tried that new iced coffee place downtown and OMG their cold brew is insane! 
I mean, I like a good cup of joe as much as the next person, but this stuff is on another level... has anyone else tried it? What's your fave coffee spot in Chicago?
i mean think about it, they had to overcome so many obstacles just to get their message out there - lockdowns, covid restrictions, losing one of their own... but they didn't give up 
and look what came out of it? a play that's actually making people talk and think about the systemic issues that lead to violence in our communities 
i wish more people could see this play live it would be like a wake-up call for some folks, you know? anyway, props to these guys for persevering and creating something beautiful from nothing 
like they're doing something right in there instead of being just inmates 
the fact that they overcame so many obstacles is insane, lockdowns & COVID-19 restrictions should've been a major setback but these guys kept pushing through 
. And they're not just writing for themselves, but for each other, trying to understand and find solutions to the problems they face. It's so inspiring to see them overcome all these obstacles - lockdowns, COVID-19 restrictions, you name it 
. And now, their play has won awards and even been adapted into a radio play... it just goes to show that art can be a powerful tool for change 
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. And can we talk about the fact that one of their lead actors passed away during production? That's just heartbreaking 
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We need more initiatives like this Mud Theatre Project to break the cycle of violence and promote positive change in our communities. It's amazing to see a group of men, incarcerated but still passionate about creating something meaningful, come together to produce an award-winning play that sparks conversations and inspires growth.