Podtalk: Director Greg Kwedar & Producer Monique Walton of ‘Sing Sing’ w/ Colman Domingo

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CHICAGO – The power of performance is on unique display in “Sing Sing,” expanding in theaters this August. It’s directed/co-adapted by Greg Kwedar and features the consummate Colman Domingo. The film is set in the infamous prison, as the incarcerated become a troupe of actors, and how it changes their lives.

Divine G (Colman Domingo) is imprisoned in New York State’s Sing Sing, and finds purpose by acting in a theatre group alongside other men who are also incarcerated. Their acting coach/play director (Paul Raci) is a patient mentor, but some troupe members – like “Divine Eye” (Clarence Maclin) – are going to have a rockier path towards interpreting this variation of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”

Colman Domingo (right) and Director Greg Kwedar of ‘Sing Sing’
Photo credit: A24

The story uses actual formerly incarcerated actors alongside Domingo Colman and the other professionals, but all are equally present. The redemptive power of pretending to be something else is on display, filtered through the intense experiences of both society’s law breakers and rejected persons (including the majority as people of color). Frustrations, revelations and a calming influence follow the troupe to their stage play, where all the men in this case are merely players, in a fascinating journey.

Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com recently interviewed director/co-screenplay adapter Greg Kwedar and producer Monique Walton of “Sing Sing.” Kwedar also co-wrote and produced (with creative partner Clint Bentley, who directed) the indie fave “Jockey,” which premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, and was acquired by Sony Pictures Classics for theatrical release. Monique Walton previous producer credits include “Bull” (which premiered at Cannes) and the doc “Hollow Tree.” She was also honored with the 2024 Producers Award at the Film Independent Spirit Awards.

In Part One of a Podtalk with Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com, director Greg Kwedar and Producer Monique Walton of “Sing Sing” …

In Part Two, reflections on Colman Domingo and “Jockey” …

Trailer, “Sing Sing” …

By PATRICK McDONALD Editor and Film Critic/Writer HollywoodChicago.com pat@hollywoodchicago.com