The Castle: Observation Report

On March 7th, I had the privilege of attending a performance called “The Castle” written and performed by four wonderful and talented people – Rory Anderson, Ervin Hunt, Victor Rojas, and Vilma Oritz Donovan. As I traveled all the way to the Engleman Recital Hall at Baruch College, I was excited because I have never ever heard of a performance where ex- convicts come in to tell their stories. After more than an hour, I came to the conclusion that this performance was absolutely astonishing and exceeded my expectations. In “The Castle,” the four performers each beautifully told their story of how they ended up on dark path, leading up to their incarceration. They took turns by telling one part of their narratives, which helps understand the

The Fortune Society was the place that aimed to not only provide former prisoners with food and shelter, but also support as they try to reenter into society as new and improved people. This was very shocking because many people were unaware of an organization would help ex-convicts. Many people would find it difficult to believe that such criminals could ever change their horrid ways. However, The Fortune Society looked to criminals as humans who have made bad decisions and are in need of guidance and support. They create a place where they ensure that former prisoners are want to do the best of their abilities to create a place where former prisoners are digging deep into their past and finding meaning to their lives. The Fortune Society provides them with counseling and support groups for it is an organization that does not give up on people. Ex-convicts do not face judgment or abandonment. Rather, they get chances at their redemption. I, along with the audience, found this organization and the stories of the four performers to be truly inspirational and magnificent as everyone in the audience stood to deliver a strong applause in the

Anderson, Donovan, Rojas, and Hunt gave one of the most memorable and striking performance I’ve have seen in a long time. They gave a lot of heart with their unique backgrounds. They were vulnerable as they admit to their mistakes and emotions. Tears were shed and voices were shaking, but it didn’t stop those wonderful actors from delivering a powerful message – that it is never too late to try and change life for the better. They did a courageous act by displaying their vulnerability. It made them stronger as they held each other’s hand to embrace their past and conquer their future together. By the end, the performers were able to grab the audience’s attention and touched their hearts when originally, many of the audience members seemed like they were tired and wanted to go home on a late Tuesday night. “The Castle” actors deserve the best for bravely telling their wonderful journeys. For the most part, “The Castle” was an impeccable and brilliant performance that many people should take time out of their schedule to