Creativity for Women in Prison: An interview with Katherine Craft
May 26, 2012
Hosted by Marianna Cacciatore
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Guest Information
Episode Description
From 1995 to 2008, the number of women in state and federal prisons nationwide increased by 203%. In Austin TX, Katherine Craft knew she could not do much to reduce the trend, but she knew she could help those inside explore new possibilities for their future. Thus, Conspire Theatre was created to bring theatre and writing into women’s correctional facilities. Creative expression can be transformative, helping incarcerated women to empower themselves in the disempowering venue of prison; re-write their story and develop leadership skills. Bread for the Journey of Austin gave Conspire Theatre $1,000 to further their work and today, Marianna will be talking to Conspire Theatre’s founder, Katherine Craft. Katherine has over 15 years experience as an actor, writer, director and theatre maker. After completing her BA in Theatre from Austin College, she received her Master’s Degree in Applied Drama from Goldsmiths College, University of London. Join us for this encouraging interview.
Bread for the Journey Radio
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Today’s news is filled with stories that break our hearts. On Bread for the Journey Radio, you’ll hear stories that help mend it back together. Join Marianna Cacciatore as she interviews ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things, often small and always meaningful, to make our world a better place. Some, like Marianna, have suffered a tragedy, and, as a result, have created something beautiful to bring others healing. Others are helping women in crisis, making life better for children living in poverty, greening their neighborhood, or any number of creative things that make their community more beautiful, healthy, and connected. These women, men and young people inspire us to think about our own lives, and what we can do to make a difference in the world. Their stories become Bread for our Journey, inspiration and nourishment for a life well lived.
Marianna Cacciatore
Most would agree Marianna Cacciatore’s life has been one well-lived. Through her work over 25 years with people who are working to bring about a better world, she has a unique vantage point from which to tell the stories we don’t generally hear in the media today. Marianna possesses the rare gift of presence, a deep listening which evokes in people the desire to tell their story.
Having suffered a childhood tragedy that spiraled downward into her teens and young adult years, she eventually turned things around and created a grief center that has brought healing to thousands of people. She recounts the full story in her book, Being There for Someone in Grief. Today, she serves as a Lifetime Emeritus Board Member of Tu Nidito in Tucson, Arizona, the parent agency for the organization she founded in 1988 called Children to Children, a Center for Children and Families in Grief.
Everyday Marianna meets ordinary people doing extraordinary things through her work as Executive Director of Bread for the Journey, a philanthropic organization with 20 locations nationally. Each volunteer-run chapter practices neighborhood philanthropy in their respective communities, helping everyday people bring their community-minded ideas to life. The Bread for the Journey vision is to nurture the seed of generosity in every human heart and Marianna’s life is a living expression of just that. Join her as she ignites the heart of generosity in you.
