Nonprofit Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) joins a growing number of professional arts organizations in recognizing the critically-acclaimed performance of Colman Domingo in the feature film Sing Sing. Domingo’s fictionalized portrayal tracks the emotional journey of the real-life John ‘Divine G’ Whitfield, who was imprisoned for a crime he didn’t commit but found purpose and growth by acting in a theater group alongside other incarcerated men at Sing Sing Correctional Facility. Divine G is a founding member of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program.
Today, RTA runs comprehensive arts workshops and a unique reentry program in ten correctional facilities in New York State. Recently, it launched its reentry program in one facility in California.
“Congratulations to Colman Domingo for this prestigious nomination, the latest recognition of his masterful work. We at Rehabilitation Through the Arts are incredibly proud of his moving performance, which brings to audiences the overlooked story of the challenges and triumphs faced by those behind bars, all viewed through the lens of their participation in RTA’s theater program. His performance alongside his fellow actors, including men who participated in RTA’s real-life program, shows viewers how the power of arts can heal and transform an individual,” said Leslie Lichter, RTA’s Interim Executive Director.
The film presents a behind-the-scenes look at Divine G as he navigates theater rehearsals and prepares for the big performance inside a maximum security prison. This story dramatizes the day-to-day work of RTA over the past 28 years in channeling the power of the arts to help incarcerated individuals develop critical life skills, foster personal growth and build community. RTA’s approach, centered on human dignity rather than punishment, has achieved an impressive success rate – with less than 3% of its participants returning to prison compared to the national recidivism rate of 60%.
“As someone who has served time and had my own life’s trajectory changed by Rehabilitation Through the Arts, I recognized the truth and the humanity in Colman Domingo’s acting and the work of the ensemble – many of whom were formerly incarcerated themselves and part of RTA’s programs,” said Peter Gomez, RTA alumnus.
“I encourage everyone to see for themselves Colman’s portrayal of the powerful transformation that can be catalyzed by the arts when incarceration is rooted in humanity rather than punishment. It’s through this proven approach pioneered by RTA that we can begin to break the cycle of reincarceration,” said Darrian Bennett, RTA alumnus.
Sing Sing returns to theaters January 2025.
