The thought of being locked in solitary confinement is a paralyzing fear for some. For those who think it might not be so bad to be away from modern civilization as we know it, 8×10 from Brooklyn’s Solitary Project will shed new light. What is it like to be alone for 23 hours a day? What is it like not to be touched by human hands anymore — except when being cuffed and herded into a barbed wire-covered yard? What is it like to fight losing touch with reality? These are the questions posed and answered in this short play.
Starring James Savage, this solo performance piece tells the story of a regular guy, a typical inmate. He’s mostly average; he could be your neighbor or cousin. He was someone’s neighbor or cousin. But he got in trouble, was sentenced at a young age and then became stuck in the correctional system. We learn that the system isn’t correctional at all.
It’s tragic, sad and a strong indictment of many prisons’ flawed status quo procedures. Injustice abounds. We are moved by the strongest moments of the piece, especially when Savage breathes easy and avoids angry outbursts. Someone in his situation is certain to be angry. Yet in the claustrophobic confines of the MOTR Pub basement, it’s sometimes too much and a little too obvious.
The script is most effective when the protagonist shares stories about his day-to-day existence. His memory exercises, the books he reads and the reasons he needs both are impactful. But the real emotion comes when he talks about his now-grown child. The tenderness displayed in these too-few moments is powerful and moving.
The production is solid and well developed. Assisted by dramaturg Paul Adolphsen, director Jared Culverson keeps the pace moving. (On opening night the show ran around 45 minutes.) Despite the appropriately spare set, an unexpected soundscape adds to the production. With another atmospheric element — people walking across the wooden floor of the bar upstairs — the production becomes a stimulating simulation of the life of a prisoner. Costumes, lights and props each serve the story well, and the aforementioned venue is perfect for the theme of the play.
The mission of this triumvirate of artists and their project is stated on their social media as being “dedicated to raising awareness about solitary confinement. Looking at the effect on inmates and questioning its value as a continued practice in prisons.” Their point is made. But it’s definitely in the subtle, saddest moments that the power of this production is most effective.
This article appears in May 31 – Jun 7, 2017.