The Castle

The Castle is a unique theatrical event that presents a searing, first-hand look at the lives of four formerly incarcerated New Yorkers and their re-entry into society. The piece is conceived and directed by David Rothenberg and written in collaboration with Vilma Ortiz Donovan, Kenneth Harrigan, Angel Ramos, and Casimiro Torres.

The Castle, an imposing upper west side residential facility for the formerly incarcerated, was opened (and is maintained) by The Fortune Society, a non-profit organization that helps put men and women, recently emerged from prison, on their re-entry into society. The organization was established by Mr. Rothenberg following the success of the 1967 Off-Broadway production of the play, Fortune and Men’s Eyes (itself, a play about a young man’s experience in a youth detention center).

The company of The Castle (all of whom tell their own real-life stories) includes Ms. Donovan, Mr. Harrigan, Mr. Ramos and Mr. Torres.