On today’s show, we look at how art can highlight the struggles of incarcerated women, build solidarity with them across prison walls, and fight against the erasure and censorship inherent to incarceration.
First, we’ll hear about a dance performance called “If I Give You My Sorrows” that’s built around the complex ways incarcerated women relate to their beds. Then, we’ll learn about an art exhibition, The Only Door I Can Open, that’s curated and created by incarcerated artists, writers, and poets inside Central California Women’s Facility.
GUESTS:
- Jo Kreiter, artistic director of Flyaway Productions and creative director of If I Give You My Sorrows
- Betty McKay, formerly incarcerated advocate and organizer
- Tomiekia Johnson, incarcerated writer and co-curator of The Only Door I Can Open
- Chantell-Jeannette Black, incarcerated artist and co-curator of The Only Door I Can Open
- Rahsaan “New York” Thomas, executive director of Empowerment Avenue
