Inmates Try to Transform Themselves into Romeo, Juliet and ‘Better Human Beings’

The Luther Luckett Correctional Complex in Oldham County is home to about 1100 felons and one unusual theatre company. It’s an all-inmate ensemble called Shakespeare Behind Bars. For sixteen years, the group has staged plays like Hamlet and Macbeth, doing performances for other inmates and the public.Shakespeare Behind Bars is now in rehearsals for its next production: Romeo and Juliet. WFPL’s Graham Shelby recently visited Luther Luckett to find out how – and why – this group of convicted felons plans to present Shakespeare’s tale of young love.