West Stockbridge— On August 18th at 7 p.m. and August 19th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Second Street Second Chances (“2nd Street”), in collaboration with The Foundry, presents “RECLAIM,” an original work-in-progress theater piece.
“RECLAIM” seeks to raise awareness of how incarceration affects not only the incarcerated individual, but also their families, friends, colleagues, and loved ones. Performances are created from approximately 20 hours of transcribed interviews with relatives and/or close friends of justice-involved members of the Second Street Second Chances community and others. These interviews, facilitated by 2nd Street Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell and other staff, focus on how 2nd Street’s close relationship with families and loved ones of currently or formerly incarcerated individuals has shaped their perspectives and experiences. “I continue to be moved by the stories families entrust us with,” Cornwell said. “They speak honestly about the heartbreak, the hope, and the resilience it takes to support someone through incarceration and reentry. These voices matter deeply — and their stories deserve to be heard.”
“RECLAIM” is the third in a series of productions. It follows “REPAIR,” a 2024 production telling the stories of formerly incarcerated men, and “RELEASE,” a 2023 production that focused on the stories of formerly incarcerated women. The hour-long piece of devised theater was created and directed by Amy Brentano, artistic producing director of The Foundry, and Sara Katzoff, a freelance theater director. Five professional actors will tell the stories through movement, music, and spoken word. Videographer Keith Foreman is documenting the creative process and will ultimately deliver a full-length film capturing how the piece comes to life and impacts the community through compelling, emotionally charged performances.
The free performances are on August 18th at 7 p.m. and August 19th at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at Berkshire Community College’s Robert Boland Theater, located at 1350 West Street in Pittsfield. A talk-back will be held after each performance. More information can be found online. More information can be found online.
