“The 411” was very informative at the Producer’s Club during its two performances this past summer. It is a play that should find a theatrical home so that it can be given life on a regular basis. The play is based on a book of the same name written by retired Rikers Island warden Howard Robertson, in which he clearly and smoothly gives young people truths about the prison system and advises them on how to stay out of it or how not to go back. Robertson worked at the Adolescent Detention Jail on Rikers Island.
“The 411” was adapted for the stage and directed by Juney Smith. The 85-minute production featured six inmates giving advice to youth, at times trying to frighten and inspire them. These prisoners—three men and three women—communicate through straight talk to the young people. For example, the prisoners tell kids that if you are friends with the wrong person, you need to make a decision.
This production informs youth about the dangerous things they would be required to do if they choose to join a gang and encourages them to be tolerant of others and do positive things with their lives. The corruption of the justice system is also on stage, as prisoners talk about being innocent yet getting convicted because they couldn’t afford a good attorney.
“The 411” is chock full of great truths, like the fact that prison life keeps on taking. You miss seeing your child grow up and being with your spouse. Female inmates share the questions and regrets they feel in prison, then the men do the same. It’s food for thought.
This play is a great deal like the book and is just as interesting and engaging. If you think prison life is glamorous, you won’t once these prisoners tell you all the problems in prison, from polluted drinking water, to a lack of toilet tissue and tampons, to overcrowding. One realizes that prisoners are treated worse than dogs.
Prisoners share the hopelessness they feel when they go up in front of the parole board. The play truly shows the human side of prison life as a mother in prison speaks to her daughter, who wants to know when she’s coming home.
There’s also a vicious circle that occurs when a person gets out of prison, as they go back to the same negative environment and friends. It takes strong conviction for them to resist the temptation to return to negative behavior. This production was very inspiring to see, and it’s something that can be seen again. Robertson has an anti-violence program through which he speaks to youth about staying away from the negative elements in society and jail.
Robertson hopes to take the show on the road, but in a shorter version that students can perform in 45 minutes. The actors—Mark White, T.C. McLaurin, Robert Lee Humphery, Kay Phelps, Alyah Horsford and Isis Harris—did a moving job.
