Swine Palace’s latest production, “The Exonerated,” dives into the controversial topic of capital punishment without flinching. Written by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen, the play is based on actual interviews with real-life exonerated inmates from across the country. An exonerated inmate is one convicted and sentenced, but later proven innocent and released of all charges.
The visual and audio elements of the play are stark but powerful, steadily commanding attention to exactly the right time and space. The square platform stage is surrounded by the audience on all sides. Overhead, black-and-white pictures of exonerated inmates hang, their faces ripe with expression. Props are limited to six metal chairs.
The play’s action rotates among the stories of exonerates Delbert, Sunny, Robert, Gary, Kerry and David, each telling their story with poignant narration. The first half is devoted to the stories of each characters’ wrongful conviction. The second half of the play explores each character’s release from prison and how they reacted after experiencing freedom once again.
While the play is relatively short, the actors make up for it in stage presence. Director Michael Tick’s cast presents a convincing revelation of the flaws of the American justice system. The gravity of the inmates’ situations is balanced by a few moments of lightheartedness.
After the play, visitors can explore the impressive lobby display, including a full-size reproduction of a typical prison cell. The solemnity of the subject material and arrangement of the script undoubtedly leave one with questions and opinions. Which, in this case, is not a bad thing.
Overall, the production is quite impressive. Regardless of one’s viewpoint on capital punishment or the flaws of the justice system, “The Exonerated” is a thought-provoking exploration into a world most will never know — world where omissions and misjudgments can change lives forever.