TLD ELITE ENSEMBLE REVEALS THE STORY BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

   
     In its inaugural season at the Illinois Youth Center in Chicago, the MTW Temporary LockDown Elite Ensemble produced the original musical BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. The young men of the ensemble wrote and rehearsed the play with guidance from MTW Artists Alyssa Sorresso, Ozivelle Ecford and Steven McClain and interns Jasmine McNeely and Tegan Smith. The played raised questions for a post performance discussion; is abuse any less harmful if it happens behind closed doors? What right does a man have to his children after abusing their mother?
     The ensemble had a rigorous weekend of performances April 3 and 4, 2009. Fellow residents and staff of the facility as well as family and community members attended three separate performances. "The last performance, when my family was there, was my favorite, "said ensemble member Aaron.
     "I was a little nervous to try acting, because I'd never done it before," added another ensemble member, Jeremiah, "but, MTW helped me be brave and get over my fears. I'm really proud of myself."