‘Sing Sing’ Stars Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin Talk Humanity and Redemption

Asha Parker |

Jul 11, 2024

“Sing Sing,” the film featuring Colman Domingo and Clarence Maclin, is making waves for its poignant exploration of humanity and redemption. The film draws inspiration from the real-life RTA (Rehabilitation Through the Arts) program. It follows Divine G (Colman) and Maclin, portraying himself, navigating their personal journeys of resilience and transformation through participation in the arts, highlighting the program’s impact on their lives and its potential to challenge societal perceptions about incarceration.

In a recent interview with PopViewers.com, Domingo and Maclin shared insights into their roles and the profound impact of the film. Colman Domingo, known for his versatile roles in “The Color Purple” and “Rustin,” delivers a performance in “Sing Sing” that critics are already touting as Oscar-worthy. His portrayal adds layers of depth to the character, resonating deeply with audiences as he navigates themes of resilience and personal transformation within the confines of a prison setting.

“I care about the way we made it. I care about how propulsive it is. And I feel like it can make a difference in people’s lives.”
-Colman Domingo on “Sing Sing”

Clarence Maclin’s Real-Life Inspiration

In contrast, Clarence Maclin, whose real-life experiences inspired the film’s narrative, delivers a breakout performance. Having spent two decades behind bars, Maclin brings a raw authenticity to his character, grounding the film in a visceral reality that resonates with viewers.

When asked about revisiting his past for the film, he admitted, “There was a little apprehension about voluntarily going into a prison and putting back on prison clothing.” However, the purpose of the film outweighed his reservations. “The reason why I needed to do this, it was way bigger than any personal apprehension I have,” he explained, emphasizing the film’s potential to change perceptions about former prisoners.

“It’s humanity in prison. There’s laughter inside prison. It’s not all stabbings, and it’s not all violent… It’s a society of people, not a society of prisoners.”
-Clarence Maclin

Overcoming Psychological Challenges

Portraying life in prison came with its psychological challenges. Maclin spoke about the triggers of being in a prison environment and wearing prison uniforms. To support the cast, a psychiatrist was present on set daily. “We also have built-in decompression routines that we do in order to decompress after we do productions,” Maclin shared. These measures ensured that the actors could navigate the emotional weight of their roles while maintaining their mental well-being.

“Because when we in these classrooms and we’re rehearsing and we on stage, we’re not in prison. We’re not in prison anymore. But as soon as that’s over, you’re 9687997, step forward. So that’s what the reality slaps you with.”
-Clarence Maclin

Sparking Thoughtful Conversations

Colman Domingo envisions “Sing Sing” as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue about the justice system and the inherent humanity within it. Reflecting on the film’s potential to challenge unconscious biases, Domingo remarked, “It invites audiences to reexamine what they think they know.” His mission with the film is to dismantle stereotypes and foster empathy, continuing his advocacy for greater understanding of the nuanced experiences faced by black and brown men.

An Innovative Filmmaking Model

Beyond its compelling narrative, “Sing Sing” also breaks new ground with its inclusive filmmaking model. Domingo and Maclin highlighted the film’s commitment to equity, ensuring that everyone involved, from actors to crew members, received equal compensation and shared ownership in the project’s success. “Equity is at the heart of our approach,” Domingo affirmed, emphasizing the collaborative spirit that defined the production and empowered all contributors.

Looking Forward

“Sing Sing” transcends the boundaries of traditional filmmaking; it embodies a movement towards greater empathy and representation in storytelling. Domingo and Maclin’s dedication to authenticity and social relevance reflects a broader shift within the entertainment industry. As audiences engage with its powerful themes of justice, redemption, and human resilience, the film is poised to spark meaningful conversations and inspire deeper reflection. With its innovative approach and profound storytelling, “Sing Sing” promises to leave a lasting impact, challenging perspectives and fostering a deeper understanding of the human experience.