Sing Sing 2024

Participating in a small theater group made up of fellow inmates, Divine G, portrayed with great empathy, navigates life in Sing Sing Correctional Facility after being wrongfully imprisoned. With a strong desire to clear his name, he immerses himself in an original production titled Breakin’ the Mummy’s Code, which is facilitated by the Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA) program. This initiative uses the transformative power of theater as a means of rehabilitation, allowing Divine G to embrace his passion for acting under the guidance of Brent Buell, the talented theater director.

As he takes on the role of the leading playwright and performer, Divine G eagerly recruits new members for their production. Among them is Divine Eye, a tough and combative prisoner who initially dismisses the idea of acting as a pointless pursuit. However, Divine G views theater as a vital, healing channel that fosters personal growth and connection. Their differing opinions about the genre of their play spark a rivalry, with Divine Eye advocating for a light-hearted comedy, while Divine G insists on a more profound drama to challenge his acting abilities. Tensions rise particularly when Divine Eye decides to audition for the only serious role in the comedy, leaving Divine G confused and frustrated by this apparent contradiction.

Over the ensuing weeks, Brent Buell leads various acting exercises to help the inmates access their emotions and build camaraderie. While Divine G effortlessly taps into his emotional depths, Divine Eye struggles initially, finding it difficult to embrace vulnerability. However, a candid conversation reveals their personal battles, prompting Divine Eye to approach the program with earnestness. Through this mentorship, he gradually earns the respect of Divine G and the other inmates, showcasing a remarkable evolution in his acting skills.

As the RTA team prepares to present their play to the prison’s executive board, they are caught off guard when their disjointed performance receives approval for the production. However, tragedy strikes when Mike Mike, a fellow prisoner and close friend of Divine G, passes away. This loss profoundly impacts Divine G, who, at his parole hearing, passionately argues how acting has transformed his life. Yet, to his shock, the interviewer questions the authenticity of his emotions during this critical moment. Despite receiving parole, Divine Eye moves on, while Divine G faces another rejection.

The stress mounts as dress rehearsals approach, culminating in a breaking point where Divine G lashes out at his peers, frustrated by their perceived lack of commitment. In a moment of despair, he isolates himself from the group, seeking solace in solitude. After some time, Divine Eye reaches out, and they reconcile. Divine G apologizes for his earlier behavior, and Divine Eye assures him that he is always welcome back into the fold before finally departing the facility.

A year later, Divine G finally passes his parole hearing and is released. Waiting outside is Divine Eye, who shares a heartfelt reunion with Divine G, filled with optimism for their futures. The film concludes with real footage from Sing Sing’s Rehabilitation Through the Arts program, illustrating the genuine performers who once were prisoners yet found a transformative outlet through theater.