A Prison of The Mind
Watch The Video! Read the Script! Why Colleges Need This Play! Student Reactions to Play!
Actress/writer Marion Scherer's powerful one-woman show probes the conscience of her audience as she asks--not--do you believe in the death penalty but rather---will this heal your heart?
As the play's Devil's Advocate, Marion explores the issues with a Victims Rights Activist who wants her sister's murderer put to death. "I want this man's space gone--just gone--no mourning, no grieving. We've just fumigated and gotten rid of a cockroach--that's all."
But she cannot hear the anguished cries of the prisoners who beg for forgiveness and come willingly to embrace their punishment for a crime that haunts their souls. As they ask, "Are we made of silly putty and you're made of God," our Victims Rights Activist is forced to examine the prison her own mind has created and make the one decision that will satisfy her soul.
Approximately 45-50 minutes long with audience discussion afterward. The author can mediate this discussion --or individual groups can be formed to facilitate more participation.
This play encourages dialogue. The play is intense and emotional--everyone's opinions are welcome. The discussion after the play is as important as the play itself!
Reviews and Recommendations for A Prison of the Mind
"Marion Scherer has developed a unique approach to the death penalty. She has written a one woman show in which she portrays 15 characters with their different responses to the death penalty. The backdrop of the play is the electric chair… Her performance is very polished as she effortlessly moves from one character to the next. I was very impressed with her performance and the manner in which she counter balanced protagonists, prisoners, priests, Judge Kozenski and attorneys against one another."
Terry McCaffrey, Director CA PEOPLE OF FAITH AGAINST THE DEATH PENALTY, San Jose Chapter
"Marion Scherer's one-act play "A Prison of the Mind" will challenge many people in their thoughts supporting the death penalty. She creatively uses an electric chair as the only prop sitting center stage and which also sometimes is a central 'character' in the play. She does not tell people what to think, however, by playing a variety of characters who themselves speak for or against the death penalty. She successfully brings into question many ideas that are readily accepted by mainstream Americans. I have had the pleasure of seeing her performance twice and was equally moved both times. She does an excellent job of bringing forth the essences of all her characters who have been impacted by the death penalty in one way or another and express their anger, anguish, remorse, regrets, frustrations, etc. I strongly recommend everyone to see " A Prison of the Mind," including those who already oppose the death penalty."
Donna Wallach, Producer, GET READY TV PRESENTS, COMMUNITY CHANNEL 15A , San Jose, CA.
"Thank you for bringing A Prison of the Mind to our church. Your acting was extraordinary, but more importantly you engaged people's hearts, minds and souls in serious reflection on the issue of the death penalty. You are fair to each side of the death penalty debate but ultimately show that the courage to forgive is our path to healing. Interestingly, your play has helped frame our discussions not only of the death penalty but of many other expressions of violence, including war. We are grateful to you and heartily support your work!
Reverend Julie Morris - St. Columba's Episcopal Church, Camarillo, CA
"I commend you in the highest terms for the performance you gave here at St. Camillus Pastoral Care Center on the Death Penalty. It was a moving experience, one which we will all remember. The discussion you conducted afterwards and the questions which your performance triggered were even more rich in insights and helped all in attendance to understand most profoundly the value of all human life. It was, indeed, a deeply spiritual experience to enter into the mind and emotions of a person sentenced to death."
Patricia Krommer C.S.I. - Pax Christi, Los Angeles
* California People of Faith Working against the Death Penalty and its State Chair, Rabbi Jerrold Goldstein, recommend "A Prison of the Mind," for all groups interested in issues of conscience."
For further information or to book a performance please contact Marion.