The film “Sing Sing” tells the powerful story of the theater program at Sing Sing Correctional Facility in Ossining, New York known as Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA). The film highlights how RTA transforms the lives of incarcerated men by offering them a chance to rediscover their humanity and purpose through art. Led by a stellar cast, including Colman Domingo, Clarence Maclin, Sean San José, and Paul Raci, the film highlights the healing power of creativity and connection.
Clarence Maclin, one of the film’s breakout stars, delivers a powerful and moving performance that has earned him critical acclaim, including two BAFTA nominations, two Critics Choice Award nominations, and two Windies Awards for Best Supporting Actor and Best Breakout Performer.
At 29, Maclin was sentenced to 17 years for robbery at Sing Sing, where he first discovered his passion for storytelling. In the film, Macklin plays a fictionalized version of himself and has been nominated for an Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay for his role in developing the film’s screenplay. In this interview, Maclin discusses his journey, and the indelible impact of art in fostering redemption and connection.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: What was it like emotionally and mentally to revisit the prison environment while working on this project?
Clarence Maclin: Well, you know, going back into the prison, it was a lot of apprehension because we got to put greens on again (prison garments). While filming, I was actually in a cell that was right underneath a cell I was actually in while I was in that particular prison. But for the most part, the purpose of doing this piece was more important than our apprehension. The message that we wanted to give to the world was a lot more important than our little minor uncomfortability for going back in.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: Before this experience, did you ever imagine Shakespeare could resonate with your life or your journey?
Clarence Maclin: Listen. I didn’t even know that I even had a knack for Shakespeare until I tried it. I didn’t know that I could hear the man speak and interpret these words the way I did until I gave it a shot.
That led me to realize that how many other brothers that come from the projects or come from my circumstances don’t really know their full potential because they haven’t been exposed. Maybe if we expose them to more things, maybe they have more choices to choose from to become more than what they are. I became more than what I was or more than what I thought I could be through art, through the stage and empathy—living or telling stories through somebody else’s life. Tell the stories that are meant to heal communities through somebody else’s life.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: What did this project teach you about yourself and the power of collaboration?
Clarence Maclin: What I learned from this particular project was that there’s a power in coming together and creating something that’s meant to heal, creating something that’s meant to better somebody else’s situation. There’s a power in coming together and putting that together.
I learned that I have that power. I have the power to heal. I have the power to connect, to influence, have all these powers. And I could do that through performance, through MY performance, I could be a healer. What we were striving for while we was in prison was to be able to come out and add on to society in a positive way, to be able to connect.
We all did a lot of wrong in our life and we have some atonement to do. Some of us feel as though the scale can never be tipped back the same. We can never make up for some of the things that we did. However, we can never stop trying. It’s impossible for us to stop trying. We know the scale ain’t gonna never tip back again. But we still have to put the work in. We still have to attempt. We still have to add on to the positivity of everybody else and everything else. That’s what we gotta do.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: How did the shared financial stake and sense of ownership among the team impact your dynamic?
Clarence Maclin: I believe we were already a tight group when we got there.
Reggie Ponder, The Reel Critic: What lasting message or impact do you hope this project has on audiences?
Clarence Maclin: I would like people to walk away with, or what I would like for them to learn, is that there are men and women in your own communities just like us. They just need some support. They just need somebody to believe in them, and they will believe in themselves. If you light the spark, if you spark it, the fire will catch.
One thing is for sure, Maclin was a true spark to this film and the people who were a part of it.
As noted in the production notes, Colman Domingo said this about Maclin, “From the first time we read, it was electric, back and forth, including ad-libs we would throw in. I truly have a hope for him, as an actor, cause I think there’s no actor like him, and he can do many incredible things.”
Paul Raci adds “I’ve worked with many actors, but I’ve never had these kinds of real connections like I’ve had with these guys. I consider them actors. They could get on any set and handle a role. They’re right there,” according to the production notes.
“Sing Sing” is currently streaming on Apple TV. As a voting member of The Critics Choice Awards, I voted for Clarence Maclin for Best Supporting Actor. His ability to channel his former self and reveal his transforming self is nothing short of amazing. Would love to hear what you think. Also, tune in to The Critics Choice Awards to see if my colleagues agree on February 7 @ 6 pm on E!.
