Sing Sing (2023 film)

Sing Sing is a 2023 American drama film directed by Greg Kwedar. The film is inspired by a real-life theatre program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility and features formerly incarcerated actors alongside professional performers.

The plot centers on Divine G, played by Colman Domingo, a man incarcerated at Sing Sing who leads a theatre troupe within the prison walls called Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA). Divine, who is serving time for a crime he maintains he didn't commit, grapples with his past and future as he directs and mentors fellow inmates in their theatrical productions. When a young man, Clarence "Clarence" Maclin, enters the program, Divine sees an opportunity for redemption and mentorship. The film explores themes of forgiveness, rehabilitation, community, and the transformative power of art.

The film’s authenticity is derived from its casting, which includes many former inmates who participated in RTA programs. This lends a profound sense of realism to the performances and the depiction of life inside the prison.

Sing Sing received positive reviews for its compelling performances, its nuanced exploration of complex themes, and its authentic portrayal of the prison environment. It has been praised for its ability to humanize incarcerated individuals and challenge conventional narratives surrounding crime and punishment.