Kentucky Shakespeare Festival: Will On Wheels

Shakespeare Behind Bars was designed to allow participants to examine relevant social issues within the structure of an aesthetic experience. This drama-in-education technique offers the participants a chance for ‘safe’ encounters with complex issues and pressures which face them in today's society.

Prison Program

Since March, 1995, Shakespeare Behind Bars has involved twenty adult inmates at the Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in LaGrange, Kentucky. During workshop sessions the inmates explore the plays of William Shakespeare through performance. Curt L. Tofteland, Producing Director of the Kentucky Shakespeare Festival, works with inmates on a once a week basis, plus they use daily time to rehearse in his absence.

Shakespeare Behind Bars Performance History:

An Evening of Scenes from Shakespeare – December 4, 2025
THE TWO GENTLEMEN OF VERONA – June 17, 19, 24, 26 - July 8, 10, 1996
Knaves, Knights, & Kings – December 17, 18, 1996
TWELFTH NIGHT – August 4, 6, 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27, 1997

Adolescent Diversion Program

Shakespeare Behind Bars will also involve juvenile offenders from Jefferson County Youth Services in an arts diversion program. Eight to twelve juvenile offenders will meet bi–weekly for six months to work on developing, writing, and staging ten minute plays. The subject matter of the plays will deal with issues relevant to world the juvenile offender inhabits. Issues are certain to include: violence, robbery, vandalism, gang participation, substance abuse, sex, peer pressure, and dysfunctional family relationships. Participants will come to realize that these themes are also Shakespeare’s themes.

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