Bard College Alumni/ae Association Presents
Philadelphia, PA - Michelle Handelman ’01: Beware the Lily Law at Eastern State Penitentiary
Runs through Wednesday, August 31, 2016
Philadelphia, PA
The piece uses the 1969 Stonewall Riots as a starting point to address issues facing gay and transgender inmates.The riots began after a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. Police arrested men dressed as women and transgender patrons. Many of the patrons resisted the police raid, and the following day thousands of people marched in the streets, speaking out about unfair treatment under the law. It was the start of the modern gay rights movement.
Today, transgender female prisoners (male to female) are incarcerated in male prisons, and transgender male prisoners (female to male) are incarcerated in female prisons. They are often placed in “protective” or “administrative” custody. Michelle Handelman: Beware the Lily LawThe resulting confinement, while safer for the inmates, is effectively a form of solitary confinement.
The artist has developed these monologues based on the experiences of real men and women.
Performers: Becca Blackwell, Michael Lynch
Michelle Handelman: Beware the Lily LawCinematography: Ed David
Sound Design: Vincent Baker
Sound Mix: Dan Bora
Production Assistance: Nadja Marcin
“Spare Change for a Dying Queen” by Jimmy Camicia
For more information, call 845-758-6822, e-mail [email protected],
or visit http://www.easternstate.org/visit/regular-season/history-artist-installations/michelle-handelman-beware-lily-law.
Location: Philadelphia, PA