Inmates perform Shakespeare in Shackles

CARLISLE, Ind. (WTHI) - Friday, inmates at the Carlisle Correctional Facility perform Shakespeare in front of a crowd.

The inmates receive no accolades for the acting, and it is not counted as good behavior.

They said they are rewarded just by having the play.

"When I play bad guys I have to think, 'Why did this guy do this? Why did he kill that guy? Why is he acting like that?' Then you have to really think about it and you see parallels between yourself and the character," inmate Jon Omstead said.

"If we can change their violent tendencies, we save our own lives," Dr. Laura Bates, the programs creator said.