Off the Hook

PRISON PLAY WITH EX-CON CAST AT BIG RED CHURCH

SANTA MARIA, CA – The original musical drama OFF THE HOOK, set in a California prison and featuring a 15-member cast of formerly incarcerated people, will play in Fresno on Saturday, Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Big Red Church, 2131 Van Ness Blvd.

OFF THE HOOK examines the ever-present threat of violence and racial segregation in prison. Separation from family, the danger of becoming too close to others and, finally, the triumph of the human spirit come to life in OFF THE HOOK.

The play was written by Deborah Tobola, artistic director of the Poetic Justice Project, who worked in Arts in Corrections before retiring from the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Bill McLaughlin, a professional actor and director with more than 30 years' experience in stage and film, is directing the play. All performances will be followed by talk-backs with the audiences.

The Poetic Justice Project has received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts, the California State Arts Council and the LEF Foundation for its California Prison Town Tour, beginning Aug. 13 in Bakersfield.

OFF THE HOOK stars Alaska Native film actor Pius Savage, who plays shaman poet Sparrow Hawk. Mr. Savage’s films include SPIRIT OF THE WIND (later renamed ATTLA), WHITE FANG, BLACK FEATHER, OUT OF THE WILDERNESS and EDGE OF THE WORLD.

A program of the William James Association, based in Santa Cruz, Poetic Justice Project produces original theatre on the Central Coast that examines crime, punishment and redemption. The ensemble musical/drama will also travel to Sacramento, Salinas, Bakersfield, Tehachapi, Redding, Los Angeles and San Diego.

Tickets are $20, available at brownpapertickets.com