Inmates use Shakespeare in unique way

CARLISLE, Ind. (WTHI) - Inmates at the Wabash Valley Correctional Facility address domestic violence in a unique way.

It's all part of the Shakespeare program, founded by ISU professor Laura Bates.

The inmates choose a Shakespeare play and read it along with Bates.

Then they write their own original adaptation of the play.

This year they wrote a play based on The Taming of the Shrew.

This play is a comedy, but it addresses the serious issue of domestic violence.

Wednesday night the inmates performed their work in front of an audience.

"Who would have thought a guy coming to prison would have been doing something like this," said inmate Brian Mitchell Gooldy. "I just think it's a wonderful thing, and I think more prisons need stuff like this."

This year was the first year they partnered with women at the Rockville Correctional Facility.

Women who have been abused in the past gave them a better understanding of the situation and helped the men write their version of the play.