Breaking Through examines themes of community, humility and the personal difficulties presented over one’s lifetime.

With original writing, music and performance, the actors dramatize the triumphs, vulnerability and challenges of growth while honing their craft and celebrating connection and inclusion by the Returned Citizens Theatre Troupe.

RCTT was created in 2015 at Marin Shakespeare Company and originated out of a vision to continue and enhance creativity and connection among formerly incarcerated Shakespeare in Prison actors.

MSC Social Justice Director, Suraya Keating, states:
“As people began to get released from prison more and more, I proposed the idea of having a place on the outside where these people could go and co-create theatre and community together. In the same way community was happening inside the prison, we wanted to create the same space on the outside.” 

Now in their fourth year of performances, RCTT continues work under Keating’s vision, using theatre exercises, writing prompts, and creative processes to continue to develop as actors and theatre-makers.

The cast includes:
Suraya Keating, Director and Performer
Tony Cyprien, Assistant Director and Performer
Maverick Harrison, Musical Director and Performer
Rachael Adler, Assistant and Performer

With ensemble members: Gary Hollis, Pamela Anne Keane, Joey Mason, Henry (Poise) Montgomery, John Neblett, and John Wilson.

Breaking Through will also tour to facilities serving at-risk youth. Individuals and organizations interested in booking RCTT should contact Marin Shakespeare Company at 415-499-4485. The 2019 Returned Citizens Theatre Troupe is sponsored by the Neda Nobari Foundation. This project was made possible with support from California Humanities, a non-profit partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities