We proudly invite you to join Anastasis Theatre Co. and RISE for a Film Streams' Exclusive Screening of the film Sing Sing, starring Colman Domingo (Rustin, The Color Purple) on August 2, followed by a powerful panel discussion featuring formerly incarcerated individuals who will share their personal journeys and the transformative impact of the arts.

About the Film: Divine G (Colman Domingo), imprisoned at Sing Sing for a crime he didn't commit, finds purpose by acting in a theatre group with other incarcerated men. When a wary outsider joins the group, the men decide to stage their first original comedy in this stirring true story of resilience, humanity, and the transformative power of art, starring an unforgettable ensemble cast of formerly incarcerated actors.

Moderator

Haley Haas • Executive Artistic Director, Anastasis Theatre Co.

Haley Haas is the Executive Artistic Director and Co-Founder of Anastasis Theatre Co. She recently directed the tour and original production of the Anastasis play More Than a Number inside the Nebraska State Penitentiary. Haley and the Anastasis Theatre Co. won the 2023 Nebraska State Arts Award for Access to the Arts. Haley is privileged to help communities most impacted by our economic, social, and justice systems tell their stories and work toward a more just Nebraska.

Panelists

Robert Nutt • Actor, Anastasis Theatre Co.

Robert J. Nutt holds an A.A. degree in Arts and studied theatre at the University of Nebraska Omaha. With a passion for performance, Robert has showcased his talents in works such as More Than A Number with Anastasis Theater Co. and Tell Martha Not To Moan with The Union for Contemporary Arts. As a dedicated single parent, Robert finds inspiration and joy in raising his beautiful toddler daughter, Robbie.

Eagle Feather • Actor, Anastasis Theatre Co.

18 and a half straight years in prison...they thought they could break me but found I couldn't be broken.

Demetrius "Dee-Dee" Gatson • Founder of Q.U.E.E.N.S. Butterfly House

Dee Dee Gatson is the founder of Q.U.E.E.N.S. Butterfly House - a non-profit focused on making a safe and supportive place for women to call home while navigating their reentry. Being formerly incarcerated herself, Dee Dee has seen how the lack of housing, resources, education, employment, and, most of all, support will lead an individual back into incarceration. She feels that through intentional peer support, building relationships, educating and providing job readiness skills, and wrap-around aftercare services, the QUEENS will be able to straighten their crowns as productive, self-sufficient community members.