For 18 years, Shakespeare Behind Bars has shared the world of William Shakespeare with inmates at the Luther Luckett Correctional Complex, helping them to develop skills that will enable their success when they leave the system. Each season culminates in a full-fledged Shakespeare production.
Since its inception in 1995, Shakespeare Behind Bars, under the direction of Founder and Producing Director Curt L. Tofteland and Artistic Director Matt Wallace, has grown to expand its mission and its programming, which now extends to reach a broad spectrum of at-risk populations.
With the support of grants and private donations, Shakespeare Behind Bars conducts residencies and workshops at the Audubon Youth Center, Louisville Day Treatment, the Home of the Innocents, and Brooklawn Child and Family Services, in addition to its continued presence at Luther Luckett.
Shakespeare Behind Bars, currently in its third year as a not-for-profit charitable organization, is set to hold its annual Cocktails and Karaoke Fundraiser this Friday evening, April 19, from 9pm-1am.
The fundraiser will be held at Amici Café, and will feature Johnny Lightning, winner of the 2012 Readers Choice Award for the Best DJ in the Central US, and four Raffle Baskets, including gift certificates to a variety of Louisville attractions and restaurants, professional services, and a stay at 21 C Museum Hotel.
Tickets to Cocktails and Karaoke are a $5 suggested donation and can be purchased at the door. Shakespeare Behind Bars will receive 20% of all beverage proceeds for the evening. More information about Shakespeare Behind Bars, including information on how to donate, can be found online.
Amici Café is located at 316 W. Ormsby, Louisville, 40203.
Image: Courtesy of Shakepeare Behind Bars